REAL LIFE: “I started a unique childcare business so I wouldn’t need to leave my baby”

A productive workspace with your baby nextdoor helps achieve the work-life balance parents seek.

By Lauren Perrett, Founder, BubbaDesk

After having my first baby, Charles, in September 2021, I experienced severe pre and postnatal anxiety, and had a challenging breastfeeding journey all while reeling from a traumatic birth.

When he was just seven months old I had to return to work, and faced a lack of support and isolation. This culminated in an anxiety attack during a work trip to Auckland, just one month into my return to work, and saw my milk supply dry up, cutting my breastfeeding journey shorter than I had desired.

During pregnancy, I was blissfully ignorant of the challenges returning to paid work would bring. I genuinely thought I would be happy to get back to it, send Charles off to daycare, and that would be it.

But that just wasn’t the case for me, and I know it is not for a lot of mothers. The thought of leaving him all day exacerbated my postnatal anxiety and completely derailed the smooth transition back to work I had hoped for.

I grappled with the innate maternal instinct to stay close to my baby, alongside the ambitious desire to perform and progress in my career. 

My idea for a unique childcare business

In a moment of frustration, I jokingly suggested to my mothers’ group the idea of finding a workspace and all pitching in for a few nannies.

That was when I had a lightbulb moment. I spent a few days validating the idea with a wider network of parents and quickly realised there was a real gap in the market for this type of alternative childcare model.

We launched BubbaDesk in November 2022 with the first site on the Central Coast. Since then, we have launched three additional sites across NSW, all while being pregnant with my second child and then raising two under two! 

We’ve received an overwhelming and emotional response from parents seeking a more supportive return-to-work experience. Parents resonate deeply with the societal expectation to “work as if you don’t parent, and parent as if you don’t work.”

This is why so many women leave the workforce after having a baby; traditionally, they’ve been forced to choose between fully showing up as a mother or sacrificing precious time with their children to prioritise work.

Having a productive workspace with your baby just next door brings you closer to achieving that true work-life balance we are all seeking as parents.

Mothers can continue to breastfeed, parents can help put their baby to sleep, or just pop in for a cuddle or play throughout the day.

Returning to work isn’t easy, and the childcare industry is ripe for disruption

Since launching in November 2022, BubbaDesk has quickly expanded, with a new space in Wollongong and plans for Inner West Sydney and Brisbane in Q3. Canva has recently become the first Australian corporate partner to offer our service as an employee benefit, highlighting its value for both parents and businesses.

While there is increasing recognition of the challenges faced by working parents and some companies are stepping up, many still encounter inadequate support. The 2023 legislation empowering flexible work arrangements, combined with innovative solutions like ours, is advancing a more supportive balance between parenting and work.

The juggle is real – but my unique childcare business helps

I find so much fulfillment in the mission and purpose of BubbaDesk, but some days are a juggle trying to balance the strong instinct to spend all my time with my children at this age with the equally strong desire to build my company into something bigger.

I want my boys to be proud of what their mum is building, but I also don’t want them to remember me always working. It’s a feeling I’m sure many mothers can resonate with.

Typically, I work from one of our locations three days a week, and I get so much done during that time that I also find I’m a more patient and present mum in the evenings. The energy used to parent all day (which I love!) is different from the brain energy used working on the business.

I’m also very conscious of trying not to be on my phone or laptop too much when we’re at home, but it’s a challenge given the many hats I currently wear.

My advice to new, and working mothers

Balancing career and motherhood can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can be manageable. First, leverage flexible work legislation. Recent changes empower you to request flexible work arrangements, so ensure you understand your rights and get any agreements in writing.

Next, understand and adapt to your baby’s needs. Every baby is unique, and their routines can significantly impact your work schedule. Plan for their sleep patterns, feeding routines, and potential separation anxiety by gradually introducing them to childcare.

Explore non-traditional childcare options like BubbaDesk. This setup allows you to remain close to your child, reducing stress and fostering a better work-life balance.

Financial planning is also crucial. Budget for childcare costs and additional expenses such as commuting. Look into subsidies and tax deductions that may be available to you.

Finally, build a support network and mentally prepare for the transition. Communicate openly with your partner, seek mentorship from experienced mothers (like those in your mothers group), and most importantly, set realistic expectations for yourself!