Newborn childminder vs nursery??

Yes because we all have the same 24 hours in a day 🙄

Thing is OP if you’re only working two days a week then you would likely be better off on benefits.

Two days childcare isn’t going to be sustainable if you’re working full-time. In another couple of months your baby isn’t going to be sleeping as much,by 6/7 months she may be crawling, working with a baby just isn’t possible after about 6 months, so although you’re looking at just 2 days childcare now, that will need to increase to 5 days in a couple of months so that cost is going to increase significantly.

I would seriously speak to someone from CAB or DWP to see whether you would in fact be better off claiming benefits at this point in time, and then look at childcare a bit further down the line.

So you’d rather be homeless and unable to feed yourself or your child, seems like a fairly poor decision.

I would rather quit my job than put a 10 week old baby into childcare. Far too young for childcare.

Apologies @Moancup, I had misread a PP I think.

Hi OP.
If working and using some childcare is what’s going to work best for you, don’t feel guilty about it. In France standard maternity leave is 15 weeks - 5 before the due date and 10 after. Many many women have to use childcare from that point onwards.
Equally if you want to take more time off and it’s financially doable, you absolutely can delay your return for a few weeks of months.
I’d go for a childminder in this situation.

Exactly this.

Babies always know their mummy op so don't be scared of that. It is just like leaving them with aunty for 2 days a week. Don't let others make you feel guilty. Until very recently it was normal to be back at work at 12 weeks most parents on here will have had this as babies. How many are suffering now?

ah, mumsnet, where being wealthy enough to have a nanny or having enough £££ in the bank not to work is completely normal.

Childminders are generally cheaper and more flexible than nursery, so often if you don’t need a day but give adequate notice you won’t be charged, depending on your arrangement.

Speak with a benefits advisor,at the very least you should be entitled to stat maternity pay I think that is 600 per month. You will never get this time back,look after yourself

Is that aimed at me? The OP has updated to say she has a job but isn’t entitled to “maternity”. That’s just not true.

RTFT

It sounds like you are employed? You are entitled to maternity leave. You may also be entitled to maternity allowance. Please get some proper advice because I think you’re ignoring some important options. I’m horrified you were working after five days.

@backgroundingo

Both of mine started at a childminder from 5 months

*under 1

I personally think you will struggle to find a child minder who will take under age 1.

Not at all! Most children that go to a childminder are under to start with.

I personally think you will struggle to find a child minder who will take under age 1.

Did you look into maternity allowance? MA. Are you self employed / freelance or an employee of a company ?

@Cherrysherbet

that’s not helpful. She has explained her reasons. Needs must.

I would go for a childminder. No, baby won't get 1:1 attention but then my 3rd child didn't get 1:1 attention either and she seems to have survived!

A childminder will have one baby and then a couple of other preschoolers, and might do have some school age children before and after school. The experience is definitely very much like a "busy family" and actually I think that's a lovely experience for an only child. Your baby will have a close relationship with a special adult who becomes like an auntie figure, and bigger children to watch and play with. Then can come home and get 1:1 attention from you.

Kellymom website has lots of info on breastfeeding including storage and returning to work etc
kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/milkstorage/milkstorage/

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

OP you can't be forced back to work after such a short time. Even if you aren't entitled to the basic statutory maternity pay you can get maternity allowance.

This website is full of information about breastfeeding. www.laleche.org.uk/.

Essentially breastmilk will last a max of
6 hours out the fridge (after being expressed)
6 days in the fridge
6 months to in the freezer

Not all babies take a bottle either. Check how experienced the minder is with babies who don't take a bottle just in case.

It sounds like you really are doing this on your own, which is incredibly hard. Hats off to you. I have a 12 week old and can't imagine going it alone, never mind working too yet. I'm fretting about leaving her for 4 hours next week!

My little will be 8 months when I go back to work and I'm seriously wondering if that is too early and if I am doing the right thing....

I know you've said you have thought long and hard on it but is there anyway you could get financial help from the government and go back to work in a few months?

I imagine your hormones are still ruling your head (as mine still are!) and I worry you are going to do yourself in by working and looking after baby. Your work looking after your baby will not stop just cos they are in childcare, you be straight back to it after work-work.

Look after yourself for the sake of your child, as they need you way way more than any job does at the moment.

I want to add also how much respect I have for you and I am not judging you at all. Times are hard and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose.

Best wishes OP

A childminder can have one baby under 12 months, and a max of 3 under 5 including the baby, as far as I can recall. My childminder looked after a baby twice a week from 2 weeks old, Mum was at college, it all worked nicely with expressed milk and lots of baby-wearing (sling), it can work if you get the right CM.
Good luck.