Going back to work full time when baby 4 months old?

[YellowChick56]

Who has had to or made the choice to go back to work full time when baby was only 4/5months old?

How did you find it?

I don't have much choice in the matter financially but wondering how I'm going to cope. I know every baby and everyone is different but would be nice to hear other peoples experiences?

I went back when DS was 4.5 months old, and it was fine. He went to nursery 3 days a week (mon, wed, fri - which was great as they normally can’t go back the next day if they are ill). Then my mum had him one day and me another (I worked in retail and worked saturdays so had a day off in the week). I breastfed exclusively until I went back, then just did night feeds until about 6.5 months old. And he didn’t sleep through until 13 months old, so bit tough sometimes, but DH and I shared the night wakings.
I only got stat mat pay and so it made sense to go back rather than get into debt and struggle. DS loved his nursery, first few days back for me were a bit wobbly emotionally wise - but soon got into the groove once back in the world of complaining customers 🤣

It is doable but you have to adjust your expectations. I went to bed with the baby at 8pm to try to get some sleep,DH took care until 11pm . Housework was bare minimum. I took much longer with second child which I now regret as my career definitely suffered.