Not really sure where to post this, so I'll have a go here and hope that I get some responses. As some of you may know, my other half and I both run our own businesses, so we are fortunate enough to each be able to pick and choose our hours, within reason (although obviously if we chose zero hours, we'd have zero money!). My work is entirely home-based, with a very, very occasional trip to London thrown in, but even then that's usually optional.

I have this rosy idea that when baby comes along, we'll both continue to run our businesses, but more part-time than we currently do, and that we'll also be able to look after baby without needing childcare.

I describe this as "rosy", because I think I'm probably deceiving myself and actually it'll be a bloody lot harder than I envision!

I ought to say that I do plan to take about three months off when baby is first born, just to give us some time together (and me some time to wake up to reality!).

So, girls, I'd love to hear from any of you who've successfully managed to carry on running a small business whilst also looking after your baby. Tell me the positives and the negatives and anything else in between.

By the way, giving up the business and going back to work in the real world isn't an option for me. I've been freelance for far too long to even so much as consider working for somebody else, so although some of you may think that's a better option, it ain't for me:-) (Employers don't give me the same number of holidays as I give myself!)

Any thoughts? xx

My mums friend started up her own business when she was pregnant with her third child and continued to run her business with 3 children under 5 on her own.

You sound like you've got it all planned plus you have your OH if you need a hand x

I am slightly different in that although I don't run my own business, I do work from home and fully plan to go back to work 4 days a week once we have our LO. OH will maybe be back at work in some form by then so we will make sure he is able to have the baby when I can't but I am sure we will be able to deal with it.

We are very lucky and intend to take full advantage of our situation.

You sound like you have it all sussed though and I wish you the best of luck xxx

my boyfriend is thinking of starting his own business from home but doesnt know if the business will be profitable to start with, does this matter when claiming family or working tax credits as we are both currently not working and its hard to work out if its worth doing it or not any help will be appreciated. xx

we currently receive £180 every fortnight on a joint JSA claim.
im currently 33 wks pregnant.
ive bin told when my baby arrives i will recieve an extra £80pw

my boyfriend says to start with he would probably only make £300 a month if he started his company.