Don't forget that going to work costs money. Costs include:

* Childcare (factor in extra nappies/extra prepackaged snacks/transport to and from and late collection fees)
* Work appropriate clothing, shoes, accessories.
* Work appropriate make up, hair products, other grooming costs.
* Transport to and from work... petrol, tickets, wear and tear on the car, parking.
* Meals at restuarants and/or take away/convenient food (because you will be too tired to cook from scratch every evening.
* Lunches and socializing (drinks)
* Stationery (maintaining a filofax etc)
* Other miscellaneous expenses like drycleaning work suits etc.

Unless you are basically on a professional income going to work can be too expensive. That's how it is for me... until my children are at school anyhow. Also I have discovered that being at home and being able to modify my life a bit more when I am feeling a bit "run down" I have been sick myself ALOT less... "soldiering on" to go to work can really make you succeptible to all the bugs that go around.... and of course being sick costs money too especially these days with the new IR laws and for casual workers without sick leave... oh and doctors appointments (to get a medical certificate) and medication etc.

I really don't mean to put you off... it's just that "life with a baby" does mean that you can get "run down" a lot more frequently than you usually do.... and many people do forget to factor healthcare costs into their new life.