Any shift workers out there? I'm planning way in advance (due in December) but I'm a bit stressed about how to organise childcare once DC is here. Me and OH can only afford the paid 39 weeks off so we will both be back at work at that point.
I work mon-fri, fairly typical hours. I could do pick up/drop off.
OH works shifts:
Week 1 - Monday/Tuesday/Friday 8:45 - 20:00
Week 2 - Wednesday/Thursday/Friday - 8:45-20:00
How am I supposed to plan childcare around that!? I'm feeling stuck with the option of paying for full time childcare (nursery most likely) just to keep their place but that would be a real struggle financially even with universal credit (it looks like we would be entitled to childcare cost help of around £200 pm)
No childcare provider would let me split weeks/days like that would they? What are the chances of finding a very flexible childminder?
MIL has offered to help but 3 days per week would be too much. I thought perhaps 2 days a week and then paid childcare every Friday as OH always works a Friday but she said that would be pointless as she is always free on a Friday
and while I appreciate her offer she has her own life to live and is heavily relied upon for childcare from other family members and I don't want to put too much on her plate. I haven't spoke to my own mum yet but she has a dog I'm not comfortable with around a baby.
Ahh any suggestions?