Worried about leaving your baby when you go back to work? We have the answers

So the honeymoon period since the birth of your baby is drawing to a close and you're soon to return to work. It can seem a daunting prospect for many mums, especially now that you can have up to a year off after the birth. A lot can change in this time, and you'll probably have mixed feelings about re-starting your career.

Getting ahead of the game

It will certainly pay to 'keep your hand in' with your employer and colleagues in the run-up to your return to work, so make sure you receive any company or industry publications that can get you back up to speed, and try to keep in regular contact with your workplace for the month or so before you rejoin.

Find out in advance what position you'll be returning to; it may not be the same job you left, but it must by law be on the same pay scale pro rata and at the same level of seniority. Do your homework before you start your role so that you can be confident you know the state of play. If it's a new position to you, try to visit your workplace in advance and talk to people who have been in the role before.

Coping with negative feelings

If you're returning to work through choice, you may have pangs of guilt that you're not putting your baby first. In this case, it's worth reminding yourself that your decision will make you a happier, more fulfilled person, and that this contentment will rub off on your baby. The feelings of resentment and frustration you'd have been feeling at home if you had to sacrifice your career would also have filtered through to your baby, so it's best all round if you follow your instincts and return to work.

How to continue with breastfeeding

For some mums the decision about whether or not to return to work goes hand in hand with how long they hope to continue breastfeeding, but it's quite possible to continue giving your baby breastmilk despite going back to your job. The answer is to continue with the first and last feeds of the day - or at least one of these - but to express your milk for others to give your baby during the daytime. It's not as difficult as you might think: you can buy manual pumps; electric pumps or express by hand (although this last option tends to be rather hard work).

For breastfeeding mums expressing is a convenient way of making sure your baby still gets the benefit of your breastmilk when you can't be there to give the feed. It is best to wait a few weeks after the birth to allow breastfeeding to become established before you start, unless a healthcare professional recommends otherwise.

Expressing is really easy once you know how, and for mums with just one baby, the ISIS iQ UNO Electronic Breast Pump (£85) is a good option. It allows you to express directly into an AVENT breast milk container or pre-sterilised VIA Cup for storage in the fridge or freezer. It works quickly, gently and quietly and features a unique Let-Down Massage Cushion to help comfortably stimulate milk flow and naturally imitate baby's suckling action. The iQ technology also memorises and continues your personal pumping rhythm so you are always in control.

Help with childcare costs

Depending on how much you earn and how many hours you work, you might be able to claim help from the government with your childcare costs. If you're working more than 16 hours per week and you're on a low income, for instance, you could be entitled to the Working Tax Credit, which includes a specific element to offset against the cost of registered or approved childcare. The childcare element can help with up to 80 per cent of eligible childcare costs, although there are limits on the weekly costs you can claim. If you have one child in childcare, the maximum you can claim is £175 a week; for two or more children, the maximum is £300 a week. For more details visit the government website www.direct.gov.uk.