how many FTWM resigned after maternity to stay at home with LO? Is it worth to give up your career, when baby can be placed in an IFC, which might even be more beneficial for baby. Does this stretch the family finances a lot?

I have resigned last month after my maternity leave ended. I had always wanted to leave the company since last year but stayed on throughout pregnancy. There are pros and cons to putting a child in IFC at an early age. For starters, their immune system is still weak hence they may fall sick easily and you will need to take leave to take care of them. Also, if you are pumping at work, you may face some discrimination and gossip as well. Work is ever present but each child goes through their milestones once, so I would rather spend my time with them up till 18 months so they can go to childcare then. Family finances is certainly tight these days but I'm sure with some simple budgeting and cost cutting measures, you will get through.