"Looking Back, I Would’ve Chosen BubbaDesk Sooner.”
1. What did work look like for you before having a baby? And what did you think it would look like after?
I was working as the Mathematics Coordinator at a high school, having previously been a Mathematics Teacher. I’d considered different ways of returning to work—maybe part-time or a job share arrangement, with Violet in daycare on the days I needed to be onsite. I had hoped to negotiate some flexibility in my hours, but when the time came, I simply wasn’t ready for the mental load of that role.
2. How did you approach returning to work—meticulously planned or make-it-up-as-you-go?
An opportunity came up to work from home teaching with the School of Now (Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese), which suited me far better than returning to a physical school environment.
My employer agreed to hold my previous position, allowing me to take on this contract for now. The return to work came earlier than I would have liked in an ideal world, but I knew the remote role would offer more flexibility with a little one. In short, I made it up as I went. My return looks different than I expected, but it’s working well for our family.
3. What were the biggest challenges in balancing your career with a baby? (Be honest—the juggle is real.)
The biggest challenge by far was childhood illness—and that all started when we first enrolled Violet in traditional daycare.
Within a short period, we had it all: RSV, parainfluenza, adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus… you name it. There were hospital visits for both Violet and me. My immune system hadn’t bounced back yet, so I caught almost everything she brought home.
When she couldn’t attend daycare or BubbaDesk due to illness, I was usually the one to stay home, and it was my work that took the hit. I tried making up for lost time by working into the early hours, but that left me completely depleted the next day.
Working from home while Violet is there just doesn’t work for me. She’s quite independent, but I can’t focus. My productivity drops, and I end up feeling even more stressed and overwhelmed.
4. How did you land on BubbaDesk as part of your setup? (Was it the flexibility? The ‘I’m literally next door’ factor? The people?)
Initially, I didn’t think BubbaDesk would suit my situation—I was expecting to return to the office, so I enrolled Violet in daycare.
As I started working remotely, daycare plus help from grandparents once a week worked… until we needed extra care and couldn’t always get the days we needed. That’s when we tried BubbaDesk for the first time.
5. What was a day at BubbaDesk really like—for you and your baby?
We’d usually walk to St Leonards to get some exercise. I’d bring food for both of us and prep everything—nappies, a bed sheet, change of clothes. It got easier over time.
I’d settle Violet, fill in the whiteboard with care notes, and head to the co-working space. I loved visiting her throughout the day—for cuddles, lunch, or to breastfeed her to sleep. Her joy at seeing me filled my heart. Leaving could be tricky, but the nannies were so gentle and she always settled quickly.
Workwise, I’d grab a desk and set up for the day. For meetings or lessons, I’d book a private room through Optix, which was simple. I wore noise-cancelling headphones to stay focused. I’d check the nanny cams at nap time (though I wasn’t always sure it was Violet I was watching, ha!).
After we moved to Arcadia, the Neutral Bay space became our new setup. I loved the vibe, the lunch area, and hoped to get to know more parents there. My husband even worked from BubbaDesk one day when I had to work offsite—the flexibility was amazing.
6. Did having childcare on-site change the way you worked? Or the way you parented?
It definitely improved my productivity and my enjoyment of the workday. At home, I’m easily distracted by household tasks. But at BubbaDesk, I was fully “at the office” and got a lot more done.
As a parent, those little visits with Violet were everything. They added joy and presence to my day in a way I didn’t expect.
7. The daycare transition from BubbaDesk—smooth sailing or emotional rollercoaster?
Honestly, smooth sailing.
At first, I felt overwhelmed by the extra things I needed to bring—daycare provides food, nappies, and sleep sheets—but once I adjusted, it became routine. I also really appreciated that BubbaDesk supported reusable nappies, which daycare wouldn’t.
Because Violet had already been attending daycare, we were used to drop-offs. Still, I felt more at ease leaving her with the BubbaDesk nannies. Being onsite helped so much—those anxious, “what if” thoughts were quieter, because I could check in if I needed to.
8. Do you think your baby’s time at BubbaDesk made that shift any easier? How so?
Definitely. Violet had such a great time there, and heading into the shared workspace never felt like a battle.
9. Looking back, is there anything you’d tell your past self about returning to work?
“In the early days, do BubbaDesk instead of long daycare.”
I really wish I had started with BubbaDesk. With remote work, it would have been such a better journey—breastfeeding on demand, no pumping or sterilising, and precious cuddle breaks throughout the day.
10. What would you say to another parent weighing up their childcare options?
If you’re working remotely and need care, try BubbaDesk with a subscription. The flexibility to swap days when your child is sick or your schedule changes is so helpful.
Care is expensive no matter where you go—what matters most is whether you’re happy with the care your child is receiving. If you’re still breastfeeding, BubbaDesk is the way to go. No expressing, no bottle prep, just connection.
Try a few days. You might be surprised how well it works for your whole family.
Rebekah is a Member of BubbaDesk Neutral Bay
