Is anyone else in the same position? 9 month DS and I've taken extended so I will be going back end of July, 3 weeks before his 1st birthday. He will be spending 2 days in nursery while I work 1.5 days, then I'll work one day evey weekend while he's home with DH. I debated going back as I felt with childcare costs deducted from my wage, what was left could possibly be saved from household budget and we could get by on one wage. However as time went on I realised I wanted to earn some money, I was worried about giving up a secure, flexible and permanent job which works well with children (DH can bring DS to see me at weekends at my workplace) and that I enjoy, in case I decided in a year I couldn't be a SAHM and had to find another job. I also think nursery will be good for DS and he will enjoy it, I've found an OFSTED outstanding one 5 mins walk away from home, children to help socialise him, so many fun activities that you don't always do at home. All in all I'm positive and happy about this happening, I see good for me and good for DS. I'll have a few hours between work and picking him up to do any pressing chores and I think the time we have together will be more focussed on him because of this. BUT it suddenly seems so close and that the end of maternity will be the end of a really precious and special time. I just wanted to chat with those in a similar position, see how they feel and what their set up will be!