That's true PP. I actually have a job as a sub in Manchester (where my mom lives) but it's an hour away. Too far from home, unless I was to move back in with my mom.

You could apply as a substitute in schools and early education programs. Not sure where in NH you are located, but if you're close to VT or Mass you can apply in districts in all 3 states. Many places only require you to have a high school diploma.

Can you find a shift that is opposite of your husband's? My husband also works nights so I work PT in the hours that he's awake so we don't need a sitter.

There's not really any space here with my DH sleeping in the next room and my MIL here constantly. For babysitting, or tutoring online in my home.

I did nanny for a couple months and bought DD along, but the mom and dad both worked at home and it didn't work out.

I'm hoping I can get a full time nanny job! I would be happy doing that for a while.

As wishing said, have you thought about babysitting in your home?

Or even tutoring since you said you were an English major?

^thats a good idea. Something you can do from home

What about babysitting in your home? Then you could bring in some money and wouldn't have to have anyone else watch your dd.

I really need a job ASAP. DH got his hours dramatically cut and we can't pay our bills. If I don't get a career-type job within a week I'll have to try Wal-Mart or Dunkin Donuts ?

I did get daycare assistance so if the MIL thing doesn't work I have a backup plan. But that's a whole nother round of stress!

Oh please don't cry. Speak to your DH about how you are feeling & how MIL & him aren't filling you full of confidence.

Can you have a few more months off then if you are really not ready?

Supposedly she is staying with MIL (who lives with us) and DH (who will be sleeping as he works nights. They currently do absolutely nothing with the baby. They don't feed her, change her, put her down for naps...nothing. I have serious doubts about MILs ability to care for her even part time, its so stressful.

I'm one of those people who thinks they are the only person who can watch their child properly... The thought of leaving her with my MIL (who can't even open a jar by herself) makes me want to cry.

I honestly don't think I would mind leaving so much if I had someone I actually trust to watch her. But I don't. And...crying again.

I promise it gets easier. It is a hard decision.

I went back to work part time after 12 months off, I thought it would be the worst thing in world. Although I miss her, it's nice to have a few days to myself too.

Start with little steps, whoever is looking after her when you return start settling baby in to staying with them more. Do this while you're still off, build it up slowly increasing the time you are leaving over a few weeks. That way you wont have new job worries same time as worrying about leaving baby if she is already settled.

Can you take part time work for now maybe? The thought of going back full time might seem more daunting straight off.

What ever you choose to do, it will be ok. Don't panic. It just takes a few months of adjusting to a new routine.

Wishing you all the best.