Stay-at-home mum or working mum?

Peace of mind:

It’s important to have a break from parenthood to remember why you love it and to maintain your sense of self as an individual. “I’m happier because I work, and I definitely have more patience with the children as a result,” says Sarah Lawson, 32, mum to Rosie. “I enjoy the intellectual stimulation and I love feeling that I am making a difference.”

Be your own boss:

If possible, why not try to work from home a few days a week, or else start up your own business in a similar line to the one you were in previously?

Stay at home

Precious moments:

Children are young for such a short length of time, and these are the moments that you’ll never have the chance to experience again. “I relished being able to commit myself totally to my babies,” says Libby Butler, 35, mum to Josh, Toby and Theo. “There’s the joy of witnessing that first smile and the thrill of seeing them walk for the first time.”

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Family time:

Every mum needs to spend quality time with their baby. “Sometimes I felt jealous of the time that my husband spent with Fraser when I was at work,” says Deborah. “Sometimes I was really torn between family and work, and felt that I wasn’t fulfilling either role as well as I’d like.”

Me time:

Juggling work and home life means you rarely get time fir yourself. “Working full-time, there was no question of popping into the gym on the way home – I wanted to spend every spare minute with Rosie,” says Sarah. Being a stay-at-home mum allows you to put time aside just for you.

Volunteering:

If you’re not working, you may have time for voluntary work, such as being a school class contact or helping at the local mother and toddler group. This might give you the same sense of usefulness that you’d get from paid employment.

Alternative childcare options

There are times when every new parent needs a bit of extra help or time out, and with family members often living far apart, Granny can’t always come to the rescue. Don’t panic – we’ve found a couple of solutions to those childcare dilemmas…

Flexible friend

For quality time this could be just the thing – www.emergencychildcare.co.uk provides childminders, nannies and places at local nurseries on a flexible basis. You can book online, and with thousands of nannies, childminders and nurseries on the database, you’re bound to find someone close at hand who can help you out. Founder Ben Black explains “What many parents really want is a break. We provide fully checked and qualified childcare options allowing you to relax.”

Sleep easy

If sleep is what you’re after, then a night nanny might be the answer. A nanny will arrive at your home at around 9pm and, after chatting through your baby’s routines, will take over baby duties for the night, leaving you to grab some sleep.

Founding partner of Sleeptight Nannies, Catherine Bradshaw, a nanny with 15 years experience, comments: “For new parents, lack of sleep is a big issue. That’s where we can help, ensuring you get an uninterrupted night’s sleep knowing baby is in safe, professional hands – so the next day will seem an awful lot easier.” All nannies are fully qualified and checked. For more details see www.sleeptightnannies.co.uk or call 020 8292 2618.