You’ll find your new normal—and a little bit of you again.
1. What did work look like for you before having a baby? And what did you think it would look like after?
Work pre-baby was full-time, with interstate and overseas travel a few times a year. I had assumed that I’d return to full-time work nine months postpartum.
2. How did you approach returning to work—meticulously planned or make-it-up-as-you-go?
I experienced a lot of postpartum anxiety (which I hadn’t expected), so it took me a while to figure out how I’d return. I did go back at nine months, but not full-time—I started with two days a week at BubbaDesk. Once I settled in, my weeks became well planned, but I always had to be prepared for things to go off course if my baby was having a rough day or feeling unwell.
3. What were the biggest challenges in balancing your career with a baby? (Be honest—the juggle is real.)
It was hard. The actual return to work wasn’t the hardest part—it was realising that I was still my child’s primary carer, exclusively breastfeeding, managing the house, walking the dog, preparing meals (for the whole family + baby), and then working. That was the big shock. After a few weeks of transition, I got into a rhythm and pre-planning helped a lot. Now it all feels more manageable.
4. How did you land on BubbaDesk as part of your setup?
BubbaDesk was perfect for us because of its smaller size (compared to a larger daycare with 40+ kids), and the “next door” factor was a game-changer—especially because I was exclusively breastfeeding and didn’t want to stop just because I was returning to work.
5. What was a day at BubbaDesk really like—for you and your baby?
At first, I was going down to feed my baby three times a day, so my work output wasn’t super productive. But as my baby grew and needed fewer feeds, I was able to get through most of the day uninterrupted and really focus.
6. Did having childcare on-site change the way you worked? Or the way you parented?
Absolutely. I became much more productive and intentional with my time. It also helped me step away from the computer and just breathe during the day.
7. The daycare transition from BubbaDesk—smooth sailing or emotional rollercoaster?
Definitely emotional—but honestly, BubbaDesk made it easier. My child adjusted well to the new environment and people. We’ve had some ups and downs, which I think is normal, but the hardest part has been me not being in the building anymore. My little one still has some tears at drop-off, but I know it’ll get easier with time.
8. Do you think your baby’s time at BubbaDesk made that shift any easier? How so?
100% yes. BubbaDesk helped both of us adjust to daycare. The educators took such genuine care, and that made all the difference in my child’s ability to adapt to new people and places.
9. Looking back, is there anything you’d tell your past self about returning to work?
That everything will be okay. All the emotions and schedule changes are normal, and you’ll find your new normal. You also get a little of you back—being able to have lunch with other adults and not worry about your child for a few hours is honestly life-changing.
10. What would you say to another parent weighing up their childcare options?
If you have the means and your work allows for remote or flexible working, you should try BubbaDesk—and stick with it as long as you can. The kids love it, the educators genuinely care, and they remember the little details that make parenting feel less overwhelming. Some days I wish I could go back to BubbaDesk instead of daycare because my child was just so happy there—but sadly it no longer aligns with my work long-term.
Jordan use BubbaDesk Caringbah
