On Thursday, DD had her first settling in session with her new CM for an hour; she's due to have 2 hours next Thursday then 6 hours a day Mon-Thurs from the following Monday.
Admittedly, DD didn't have the best lead up to her session because she normally naps between 9-10, and didn't go to sleep until 10.30 in her pram before we had to wake her up at 11am for the drop off. She hadn't really come around properly before DP & I left, and apparently she cried and was inconsolable for 45 mins of the hour. She then cried again when we arrived to collect her (the look DD gave us!!), but was completely settled down by 15 minutes after we left.
The CM said it's quite normal at her age (8mo on Monday) as 8-9mo is the hardest age for them to settle, and DD seems to be a precocious little thing following a week in SCBU when she was born. Also the late & short nap wouldn't have helped. The CM was confident that next week will be better as DD has now had time in the house and will be a little more familiar with the surroundings & people The CM are a mother & daughter set up (and both husbands are also registered so they can help), and I've had loads of recommendations from people who've known them personally & professionally for years.
Please reassure me that it's just nerves over returning to work after looking after DD 24/7 for 8 months!