Not everything goes to plan when you return to work, and that’s okay.
1. What did work look like for you before having a baby? And what did you think it would look like after?
Before bub was born, I was working full-time as Head of People & Operations for a multinational group of companies. Initially, I planned to take around eight months off, based on my husband’s parental leave options. But after some pregnancy-related health issues and a shift in his leave availability, I ended up resigning before my planned leave, intending to return to work once we secured childcare—hopefully around the one-year mark.
2. How did you approach returning to work—meticulously planned or make-it-up-as-you-go?
It ended up being very much a “make it up as we went along” situation—we live in a childcare desert. I put my name down at our closest centre when I was a few months pregnant, followed by about 20 others in our area. My daughter just turned two, and we still haven’t been offered a local spot. The only reason I was able to return to work after 18 months off was because BubbaDesk opened nearby.
3. What were the biggest challenges in balancing your career with a baby? (Be honest—the juggle is real.)
The return to work was so much harder than I expected. My field has changed rapidly over the past couple of years, so after a decent break, I was playing catch-up—while also managing the never-ending sickness cycle that comes with starting care.
I was also navigating the identity shift of matrescence, which is so often overlooked. You’re expected to show up at work like nothing has changed, but internally, you’re processing everything. It’s a lot.
4. How did you land on BubbaDesk as part of your setup?
It was perfect timing. Initially, we were just relieved there were spots available! But after the tour, I realised how much it could help ease my anxiety about leaving my daughter with someone other than my husband—something I’d never done before. Having a space like this, with support and flexibility, felt like such a gift.
5. What was a day at BubbaDesk really like—for you and your baby?
We’d arrive at opening, and my daughter would snuggle into me while I set up and wrote on the board. At first, drop-offs came with a lot of tears, but over time those turned into cheerful “OK BYEEE” moments as she ran to her carers.
I loved that if she was unsettled, I could step out, peek around the corner, and see her calming down. In the early days, I did a lot of peeking—but as she settled, I didn’t feel the need anymore. I trusted she was happy and safe, and I knew the nannies would tell me otherwise.
6. Did having childcare on-site change the way you worked? Or the way you parented?
Not hugely—it just integrated seamlessly into our lives. I already worked remotely, so being at a co-working desk instead of at home was the only shift. What made a difference was how easily the team adapted to our routine. Nap times and meals were adjusted with no fuss—it just worked.
7. The daycare transition from BubbaDesk—smooth sailing or emotional rollercoaster?
Total emotional rollercoaster. Our centre ended up being over 30km away, and I was so anxious. On the first day, I took the day off work just in case and hung out in a nearby shopping plaza waiting for an update.
8. Do you think your baby’s time at BubbaDesk made that shift any easier? How so?
Yes, 100%. She still needed time to settle at daycare, but BubbaDesk helped lay the foundation. Smaller numbers, high staff ratios, and being able to come in anytime if she needed me—all of that helped her develop trust and confidence.
It also helped me. I could ease into the separation, cuddle her if I needed to, and see firsthand that she was cared for in a gentle, loving way.
9. Looking back, is there anything you’d tell your past self about returning to work?
It’s hard. Be kind to yourself and organise as much support as possible. Also—don’t schedule your baby’s first day of daycare the same day you have a 9am Zoom with your camera on. There will be tears. Book in casual days ahead of time so the transition doesn’t collide with work pressure.
10. What would you say to another parent weighing up their childcare options?
Every family is different—and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For us, we started with BubbaDesk and some family support before eventually moving into long daycare. Each stage worked for the moment we were in.
Our biggest priority was for our daughter to feel safe, secure, and happy. Because of the incredible people around her—especially at BubbaDesk—she’s now so resilient and adaptable. If we have another baby, BubbaDesk would 100% be our first choice again. The peace of mind it gave me was invaluable, especially in those early months of returning to work.
Stephanie is a member of BubbaDesk Wollongong
