I've been staying at home since November of last year when I was about 6-7 months pregnant. I lost my job at that time due to some medical problems brought on by my high risk pregnancy. It was a job not a career.

Now, Aspen is about to be 9 months old and I'm in the middle of my Phlebotomy course. I've been offered a job at my clinical site, but I have no idea what to do with my daughter during the week if I decide to taje this job. As of right now, my best friend is watching her while I'm at clinicals, but she will not be able to watch her 5 days a week every other week (7 on, 7 off). She also watches her sisters 2 children on the days that she does not watch my daughter, which is why she can't keep her. Watching a 5 year old, two 2 year olds, and a 9 month old would be A LOT for her to take on by herself. She wouldn't even have room for all 4 in her car if there was to be an emergency.

We can not afford child care right now, which has been a big reason for me staying home. I can't ask any of our parents to satch her during the day because they all work. My oldest sister has offered, but I am scared to leave my daughter with her. Which is terrible and I feel extremely guilty for my reasoning. My sister is physically disabled, and I am terrified that she would not be able to keep up with my daughter or watch her properly because of her disability.

I have no idea what to do. I am scared of day cares because all of the ones around us have lawsuits against them and are under investigation for child abuse. Not only that, but most people in my area formula feed and several breastfeeding mothers have been turned away because the workers do not want to handle breastmilk.

I desperately need a job, but at the same time I do not want to put our daughters safety in jeopardy.

Any advice, critical or not would be welcome. I need help making a decision on what to do.

Adding to say that I will be working an hour and a half away from home. I'm starting to look into daycares around my work area.