Oh Jodi It is really hard going back to work when it's not by choice.

I really don't know where to start, I'll try to share my experience without writing a novel. Firstly, in many ways the thought of leaving the boys was worse than the actual doing. I am lucky that my boys thrive at day care (they go 3 days a week and are looked after by my PIL 2 days a week). They both love it, so that makes it much easier. And I have seen how much they have gained from day care, they are happy there, stimulated, learning so much and their social and communication skills seem to improve every week. So that is enough to stop me feeling too guilty.

With regard to yourself, physically it's exhausting (especially at first). Emotionally ever more so I think, although that definitely improves too. One key is to be super organised. To do a day's work, pick kids up and have dinner ready and kids bathed by a decent hour is pretty tough. I am lucky that my ILs cook 2 nights a week when they are here with the boys. On the 3 day care nights we mostly have left overs (so I have to plan in advance - I do a weekly menu up at the start of each week), or we save the quick and easy to cook meals for those nights. Day care (and work) lunches are made up the night before. I have set washing nights and put a load on as soon as I get home so I'm not up hanging clothes at midnight. My MIL helps with cleaning, if you have no other help get a cleaner. It will make a huge difference.

Which leads to me to the other key - you need to make sure you look after yourself and find some "me-time". This is tricky as a ft working mum, but it can be done. I have managed to fit Pilates in at lunch time twice a week (luckily they are next door to work), and I now do things on weekends or in the evenings sometimes. I used to not ever go out without the boys unless it was a really special occasion because I hated missing time with them when I was missing them during the week days as well. But after a year, I am starting to get out more and we are all better off for it. And DH and I are going out together once a month or so now as well which is also making a huge difference. "US" time for you and your DH is really important too.

Ok, just about a novel, so I'll stop there unless I think of something else really important. In the meantime, feel free to ask more questions. You will manage hun, and it might not be as bad as you think. GL.