Three children under 3

[lilyanna812]

Anyone have any advice??

I am expecting my DC3 in the summer, my DS1 is 3 and my DS2 is 2.

I am so scared, I don't know what to expect. I work full time and plan to go back to work after 6 months, but I am worried how I will cope.

It was an unplanned pregnancy (my medication and the depo did not work well together) and we are both 30, just starting out our careers and we are worried and scared as to what to expect.

I don't think DH and me are willing to sacrifice our careers as we both love what we do so it is going to be a juggle

If anyone has any advice will be wonderful

[Sleepyhoglet]

Can you not take a year? Childcare for 3 children will be extortionate! What is your career?

[lilyanna812]

I am a solicitor specialising in international human rights (trafficking children is an area of interest), hoping to make partner. In my job you have to keep on top of things and keep up with the (younger) newer trainees coming in ; I am aware that there have been women who have had babies who have taken time off and have remained in the same position without making progress. I also travel for my job and well....I love it :(

I can't take a year.....it will be career suicide. But then, is that reason to not have a child.

It was a big decision but I am an anti abortionist at heart and thought a child with a working mother is better than a child who hasn't had a chance to live

[florentina1]

Someone to help in the home rather than nursery or childminder for the first 6 months. I have experience of trying to get 3 little ones organised. It's not easy. Can you afford a live in nanny?

[Needmorechocolate]

If you can afford the childcare/ have family to help then it is possible. However it is a lot of hard work and you will have to make compromises.

I had DS3 when my eldest was 3 and I went back to work 4 days a week when he was 9 months. It's been tough, especially as my husband works away a lot so all the childcare arrangements/household stuff also falls to me. However, I do have quite a flexible job and lots of family support so this has helped.

I do find that I wish I had more time with the children - it's hard when u only see them outside work hours and then you have to split your time between three of them.

However, having said how tough it is it is not impossible and it certainly hasn't put me off because I am now expecting DC4 in the summer (eldest is 5). Not quite sure how I will juggle all of that with work but there are always ways of making things work!

[Sleepyhoglet]

Is say long term the best option is a nanny. That way your children can stay at home and you will be calmer and probably cheaper than 3 sets of nursery fees. I would def take the 6 months as a minimum. It will be worth it long term just persevere!

[Jackieharris]

I imagine a nanny is your best option. They should cost the same as 3x nursery fees plus you don't have the double commute and they will do child related chores like cooking, laundry and room tidying. This will give you much more 'quality' time with the DCs than nurseries.

Plus you don't have to worry about sick days.

[Bunbaker]

When a friend of mine had twins she had three children under three, and managed to get a student nursery nurse to do some work experience at her house to help her out. Is this still possible?