Post your going back to work tips here

Don't do all the rushing around yourself! Remember that DP/DH is equally capable of dropping off/picking up, and if the nursery/CM has his contact details it won't always be you that has to drop everything when they fall over/sneeze/spike a temperature.
Failing that, if you're flush get a (super-healthy) nanny.
Finally I would recommend full time working; it's easier to get everyone into a routine when every day is (almost) the same; and you will appreciate weekends much more. Part -time work is rarely rewarded properly, and you may never get taken seriously in the workplace again, especially at promotion time (sad, but true...)

Try to start back mid week so your first week is a short one to ease you in slowly.

Get bags ready the night - work out a morning routine with your husband/partner so no one gets to stressed - remember kid(s) don't understand 'we're late' so pushing older ones to rush just won't happen and your stress levels could go up. Once you have a morning routine in place things run smoother. And maybe make another 'mommy friend' from the nursery to commute to work with - I had one that after the drop we trained in together and kept each other relaxed with idle chat.

If at all possible get DH/DP to take some time off for your first few days back at work, or at least arrange for him to be able to do the Nursery/Childminder run. I found it a real help that my first week back I only had to worry about me, not getting ds1 to Nursery, and if I was in the middle of doing something towards the end of the day it wasn't a huge problem because I didn't have to dash off to do pick up either.

Don't have a photo of your dc on your desk!

remember that it will take time to adjust to the differnt pace. allow yourself plenty of shortcuts at the begining - and dont keep reassesing in your ahead if you have done the right thing. Put it off till at least 2 months.

I have a "to do" list on the fridge door - for the night before and the work morning. Means I don't forget something silly like taking EBM out of the freezer or packing my breast pump.

Do everything you can the night before including putting teabag into mug, putting ceral into bowls and cling-filming them.

Get up 15 minutes earlier than you need to.

Remember to speak to your employer about childcare vouchers and make sure your CM/nursery takes them. You can save quite a bit!

Chose your childcare carefully - you will need peace of mind to settle back into your job. I chose a CM as she gave me the flexibilty and home environment I wanted for DS, but others may want the social environment a nursery gives, etc... Visit all options before you decide and try and have an open mind.

Although your child may create a fuss when you drop them off at childcare, within 2 minutes they will be loving it ! Be strong and walk away, telling them you will be back to collect them later, and then phone the carer 10 minutes later for peace of mind if you need to. Even little ones can be crafty at pulling at the heart-strings, and the carer won't mind ! Your approach will pay dividends once they start school and are used to saying goodbye, knowing that they will see you later.

Try and remember that you are important too, and it is really OK to feel relief at work that you are being treated as an adult with a brain, rather than a nappy-changing multi-tasking super mummy. The childcarer WILL phone you if they need you ! A change is as good as a rest, and you and your family will benefit together if you feel you are being valued as an individual as well as a parent.

Go easy on yourself with the chores at home - things will slip once you are balancing work committments with quality family time, and you also need to try to give yourself a bit of time out. It's taken me 2 children, 6 and a half years, a period of clinical depression and a career change, but finally I am lucky enough to have achieved a balance with work and home that works for us. Don't compare yourself with others - everyone and every family is different, and you must DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOURS !!!

even if you are ambivalent about going back don't put off sorting out your childcare

maintain a link with your immediate boss through maternity leave. Your job plan may alter...have a meeting before you go back to discuss duties/changes/hours etc

when there enjoy the whole of that first cup of hot coffee without worrying that anyone will knock it over.....

Make a mental list of the new skills/benefits you've gained from being a parent that will help you in your job. (Mine include the fact that I never procrastinate any more and am vastly more efficient, and opportunities to network with all the people I meet at work who also happen to be parents!)

If going back to work in the autumn, make sure you buy your new going-back-to-work clothes months in advance, as by Oct/Nov there'll be nothing in the shops but Christmas party wear!

my dd took her favourite soft toy with her to the childcare setting to start with. it provided a sense of security in an unfamiliar setting.

Do a run to work via the nursery/childminder BEFORE you do it for the first time on the morning you go back to work. Make sure you do it at the time you normally would, so you can see if you have enough time bearing in mind rush hour/train times etc.

I had a year off after DD3, have just gone back to work and had no idea that there were so many more cars on the road since I was last driving that route! (And loads of roadworks too...)

Also do as much as possible the night before. Make lunches, bottles, defrost food etc. Pack their bag, don't forget change of clothes, put in loads more nappies than you think the childcarer will need (whatever you put in will never be enough!) and don't forget to give everyone your contact number and mobile number.

Get up really early the first few days so that you are not so rushed and stressed. Try and factor in time to have a coffee, breakfast, do your hair and makeup. It will make YOU feel better.

And don't beat yourself up about working. Remember it's quality time, not quantity time your child(ren) will remember

Do your shopping on-line and delivered in the evenings (someone is always in) so that weekend time is not spent doing chores.

Try to have a morning off every weekend (DH gets up with DD on Saturday mornings and I lie in and then I return the favour on Sunday mornings). It means that you both get much needed extra sleep and both get time alone with your child(ren).

Have a list for EVERYTHING so your brain doesn't explode.

Talk to your working friends (in RL or mumsnet) so that you don't feel that you're the only bad working mum in the world.

Agree a set of jobs for DH to do the night before and in the morning. My DH is great at doing the things on his list but rubbish at noticing other things that need doing.

If expressing, I would also have a tub of formula to hand so that you can top up if necessary. Most nights I express enough for DS to have the next day but sometimes if he is really hungry I run short. If you're not happy to use formula then you'll need a backup supply in the freezer.

If you switch to formula during the day but bf in the morning and at night don't assume that you can't feed during the day at weekends. Took me ages to work this one out.

On a Sunday evening (or other convenient weekend time!) plan your evening meals for the whole family for the coming week. Ensure you have all ingredients so you're not stressed about it during the week. Even better, make up large portions of pasta sauce, chilli, casserole etc so you have something easy to hand that's healthy and filling when you can't really be bothered to cook. But don't feel guilty at all if you resort to takeaway or ready meals once in a while!
Most importantly, find a meal planning/preparing routine that works for you and your family that you're happy with.

Make sure everyone at work knows what hours you will be working (including colleagues) before you go back - avoids raised eyebrows and 'leaving early then are you??' comments when you return...

Try and get dp/dh to agree to at least one night a week when he will collect children so that you can go out/go shopping/do what YOU want for a change Do this EARLY and stick with it - if you give an inch he will take a mile!

like everyone has said, enjoy the journey to work (read a book/have a coffee) - it's time all to yourself.... ditto for lunch - make sure you treat yourself to something nice at least once in a while.

use Mumsnet as much as possible ...

Don't try and be superwoman. Sit down and talk through the realities of you working with your dp. Ensure that responsibilities are shared, ((Even if it means training them subtly !)) This gets more important as life gets more complicated as children get older and start having their own social lives etc,so start early.

If you can afford it, definitely agree with getting a cleaner or having your ironing done.

I didn't take a picture of dd with me to work for the first few months. I needed to separate my home life from my work life. Made it much easier emotionally on me.

Pack all bags, lay out all clothes the night before.

Think about how long it will take you to get out of the house in the morning and add at least 50%!

Do a trial run of the getting up/dropping with childminder or nursery/getting to work routine a week before you go back.

Keep some annual leave if you have it to carry over to help when your little one catches all the bugs - carers leave does not stretch as far as you would think. When back at work enjoy your brain engaging in different tasks, the adult conversation and themoney you are making which can then be spent on yourself or your little ones or holidays. I agree with being 100% happy with your childcare - if its right you will be happy. My little one has always loved nursery not one day of looking back with tears as we say goodbye - making it harder for me to cope with but better that way!

Lower your housekeeping standards or get a cleaner

Drop off child - then do make up!!

Make sure your DP/DH realises that you're going back to work - it'll be a lot easier if both of you are doing your share of the homework and childcare.