C4K: When did you go back to work after having your children?

MD: I returned six months after having Nick and three after having Talia.

C4K: What were your main motivations to return to work?

MD: Career, enjoyment, money! I started hosting Sunrise when I returned after having Nick, so having landed my dream job I was keen to continue after Talia was born.

C4K: What was the hardest thing about returning to work?

MD: Luckily I have never had to wrench myself away from a crying baby... I sneak out of the house at 3.45am while everyone is still asleep. So that makes it easier. But definitely the hardest part was managing the hours and the tiredness. It wasn’t easy getting up for the 3am feed, settling Talia, then putting in a full morning of work when I felt so tired I just wanted to fall over. Thank god we have brilliant makeup artists who really know how to work that concealer brush.

C4K: Who looks after the children when you work?

MD: My husband is there when they wake up so has the morning routine. My son is at school, so three mornings a week we have a babysitter come in for Talia when John leaves for work. She leaves at midday when I get home. The other two days Talia attends preschool.

C4K: How did you find your child care?

MD: We relied on word of mouth with both preschool and previously with daycare. I asked everyone and anyone where they went and why, or more importantly where they didn’t go and why.

C4K: What were your main priorities while you were looking for child care?

MD: I wanted somewhere I liked, with staff I trusted. It had to be clean and happy and organised. I loved Talia’s preschool the moment I went there. It’s rather old fashioned and reminds me of where I used to go!

C4K: What would you do differently if you were looking for child care again?

MD: Nothing really! Just remember to trust your instincts. If you are not comfortable or you don’t think your child is as happy and settled as they could be, make a change.

C4K: What are the main benefits of your child care arrangement and/or having your children in care?

MD: Talia is a very social chatty little person and has a lovely time with her girlfriends. She enjoys her time at preschool.

C4K: Have you any amusing or heart-warming child care experiences?

MD: It’s been rather funny as the kids’ peers have started to work out what I do. For my kids it’s never been a big deal – I think they just assumed everyone was on tele! One morning we helped The Wiggles with a skit and I played the princess and wore a crown. One of Talia’s classmates reminds me of it EVERY time I see her. Another one of her friends slept with her edition of Australian Women’s Weekly when we were on the cover and asked if she could be in our family next time we did a photo shoot.