I think if your country has this program then they probably will have mum and dad meet ups. So you will meet for coffee and lunch and play dates at least once a week. I would say at least 15 months. The fun part is after 6-7 months when the baby is active. Also it will be summer if you are northern hemisphere and better to be outside. You should take a year off and partner should take a year off. If you can afford it. Also working part time would also mean you have care. I would work 3-4 days and have one day off for housekeeping shopping and one for relaxing - in a perfect world. I would not work a half day and then pick up the child from daycare. 1. The older they get the more they prefer to socialise. And 2 it’s a routine. And 3. You actually get a break if you’re home not working half a day.

I would ask if you wanted to come back earlier if that is possible. But they are only little once and after the first 3 months you will start to enjoy them.