If you're wondering whether to continue using childminder on mat leave...

[teaguzzler]

Do it! Have just spent a blissful hour cuddling my 3 month old while my two year old is at the childminders. No interruptions for toilet trips (hers), drinks, snacks etc...Lovely!

Are you me? [Grin] My DD is 2.6 and just loves her childminder so much, has a great time going to groups every day, doing crafty things that I am crap at. If she had been at home for the past 4 months both she and I would be crazy by now. Plus the baby loves the peace in the house on the childminder days that he sleeps loads!! Hurray for lovely childminders I say!

Oh this is lovely to hear

Congrats on your babies

Thanks grim! I completely agree foxy. At first I felt really guilty but have also come to the conclusion that everyone's a winner!

totally agree. Initially I missed my older DD and it felt strange not having her at home when I'm not at work. but there is only 23 months between my DDs. My older is only 2 and very happy with childminder 3 days a week; I didn't want to disrupt that routine, and I know she will be very happy and well looked after there. I've also had a tough recovery this time so very happy to have some quiet days. I also don't have family support and my childminder will be able to take the baby for half / occasional full days next year to give me a break / keep in touch day at work.

If you can afford this then its a great idea!