I picked my daycare because she *would* hold my baby all the time, or at least a lot of it, and in fact he took probably half his naps on her or her mom in those first months - just like at home with me! She's not "crunchy", so I didn't even suggest wearing, but for her, it was just natural to hold the littlest baby (he was just 5 pounds then), and that made me happy. Now that he's older and needing more stimulation/development stuff, I'm looking elsewhere, but she was a great loving, nurturing presence when I couldn't be with him. She also clipped his nails for us and was great when he was sick, fussy, on meds, etc. It was great having a few more people to love him, to ask questions about his various rashes or odd behaviors, to give me feedback on him... he loves it there, but even better, he loves it more at home with us.

I feel good about it overall. But of course, I still also have the crushing guilt and sadness... 'tis a mother's lot, I fear. But for me, I know that staying at home with him wasn't a great idea, unless I had more money to be able to spend a significant amount of time at classes, events, shopping, or otherwise engaged. Me and him at home for days on end? Not. A. Good. Idea. For. Mommy's. Mind.

Finding the right place makes all the difference... and the right time - don't rush it if you don't have to...

HUGS