A big to weigh too is what kind of a job you would be looking for - then subtract the cost of childcare for any children you already have, transportation to work, etc. and would you still be making more money in the end than you are looking afte the one child. Even adding the part time child will take the edge off financially and yes the more you get into care the more others will feel comfortable about leaving their children with you. On the other hand considering the number of weeks you need to work to qualify for mat leave you don't have a lot of time to make a decision.