Part time after maternity? Shorter or fewer days?

[Mizydoscape]

I'm nearly 3 months into my maternity leave with 1st child. Planning to go back in June next year after 10 months but need to work out how to play it.

Currently contacted full time on 39 hours. I used to work 8-4 Mon-Thur (30 mins unpaid lunch) and then Friday from home 8.30-4. Childcare will be covered by OH day off, grandparents and childminder.

Options are:

1. go back full time. Hours as before. This will help me finish paying off debts from previous years which will enable me to eventually have more available take home pay/savings.
2. go back part time 32 hours. Work pattern Mon-Thur 8.30am - 5pm
3. go back part time 32 hours. Work pattern Mon-Thur 8.30am - 3.30pm. Fri from home 8.30am - 3pm.

Things to consider: flexi time available so hours not set in stone. I have a 30-45 minute commute depending on traffic so I couldn't realistically start earlier than 8.30. Partner will do other end of day pick up when he finishes work at 3 so childcare day around 7 hours regardless.

I can afford to go back 32 hours but obviously those debts would take longer to pay off.

The biggest factor is that I have a horse who I attend to after work before coming home. This generally takes 1-2 hours in the evening meaning if I went with option 2 I would likely be home at or just after baby's bedtime Mon-Thur.

I am leaning towards option 1, seeing how it goes then considering part time at a later date. Part of me is also torn with missing so much of child growing up though.

WWYD in my situation?

I would try and spend as much time with the baby as possible. They grow up so fast. You'll most likely look back and regret not spending more time with baby.
Money comes and goes, but you won't get the time back you missed with baby.

Spend as much time with the baby as possible. I had 9 months off when son was born and then went part time from 5 days a week to 3. I agree with other posters they grow up so fast.

I would aim to have a full day off rather than spreading your hours over 5 days. That way you can do something substantial on that day with your baby. I work 3 days like PP and I try and do something with my DS on my days off, swimming, play groups etc.

If you can do a day less and cut a day with the childminder you’ll save lots over a couple of years.