Before DD1, i was career driven. Promoted to a Senior role pretty early on. I thought 4 months of Mat leave was fine. When I had DD1 i was soo regretting that decision.

Felt very depressed leaving a baby who didnt even get a chance to bond with her mum. I tried to extend it to a year but my boss had already placed me in some projects so I negotiated working only 2 days and those 2 days from home so i can still see bub everyday.

Then I worked from home 2 days a week and went back full time with 3 days in the office.

Then when DD was around 3 changed jobs and worked full time.

For DD2, I will be trying to get a part time role but realistically i am really pushing it as my role is not really part time and as the others have said I really do need to continue working as I am in IT and technology becomes redundant quite fast.

It was damn hard to leave my DD, but i think the slow transition to full time worked really helped and more importantly knowing that when I am at work she is in good hands (her Grandmother looks after her)

All the best hun