Found Out I'm Unexpectedly Pregnant...

[AmyKidsCo]

I started my first in-home program when I was pregnant with our 3rd child, and had 3 more while I did in-home childcare. I was upfront with the parents about my plans for labor/time off. Generally I close for a week (paid vacation) then I've had helpers for the next few weeks. Once it was a really good friend, the other times it was my mom and/or mother-in-law. I think as long as you're upfront with the parents and have a plan in case you need to leave during the day, they'll be fine.

[Lil_Diddle]

Having babies while doing daycare can work really well, but your plans have to be realistic with your market area. I took two weeks off after birth and it was just enough time for me. Taking 3 months would not have worked, so if i needed that long, i would probably have closed and then reopened with new families when i was ready.

If you have families that really love the care they are receiving and appreciate you it can be done. I planned for 6 weeks off and then with an unplanned C-section it was actually my daycare families that suggested I add another two weeks.

I have them plenty of notice when I found out and helped them find alternate care while I was home with my baby. I put me and my family first and wanted that time to bond with my new baby. Will never regret it.