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

JC: I was fairly new to my company when I fell pregnant and not eligible for maternity leave, but I’m lucky enough to work in an industry where freelancing is an option so I did that. I found it quite easy to write when Milo was very small and slept a lot, so I started taking on stories after just a couple of months, albeit sporadically. Eventually I accepted a two-day-a-week role at Shop when Milo was about six months old. When Iggy was born I went back two days a week after about six weeks, and worked up to four days over a few months.

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

JC: A combination of financial factors and love for my job. Just before my second child was born we launched Shop 4 Kids magazine, which is a passion project of mine, and the timing of the second issue meant I probably had to go back to work faster than I might have otherwise chosen to.

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

JC: Missing the boys during the day! Also, I kept breastfeeding for as long as I could, which meant I could often be found frantically pumping under my desk or trying to sponge leaked milk from the front of a designer frock before a meeting. It’s also really hard when working late means missing bedtime, but we solved that by getting video phones so we can do the goodnight kisses via technology when need be!

C4K: Who looks after the children when you work?

JC: The two days they are at their father’s house he works from home, and my amazing mother has them the other two days, which are also the days Milo goes to day care. He was at Redman House in Dee Why, which was fantastic, until we moved away from the Northern Beaches. He starts a new preschool next month.

C4K: How did you find your child care?

JC: Our first day care was found through word of mouth and visiting lots until we found one we loved the feel of. The new preschool was actually found through CareforKids.com.au!

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

JC: At his age I was primarily concerned that the children looked happy and busy and the teachers seemed warm and loving.

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

JC: Nothing – I’m happy with the results so far.

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

JC: I love that Iggy is with family every day – there’s no-one you trust more than your mum when it comes to looking after and loving your children. But Milo also loves day care and playing with other kids while Iggy gets some one-on-one time. I feel like we have a really good balance.

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

JC: Milo loves his little brother to bits and when he first started at care he used to take a photo of him, and wouldn’t go down for a nap unless he was holding the photo. Every day we’d ask him who he played with and he’d say ‘Iggy’s photo’ – sweet, but sad! The day he finally said ‘Max’ was such a relief. But he still takes the photo, bless.