how did u work out going back to work

I'm in a dilemma and being anal-I'm worrying about it now...and I go back in about 6 weeks.
Im in advertising- a to9ugh field that has laid off many many qaulified workers b49/11- and more after 9/11. My dept went from about 18 people down to 10..and my boss gave a 'state of the union' earlier and mentioned how 2 accounts are gone now and how can we rework our workpaths to be more efficient. of course everyone walked out of he meeting thinking who is she going to fire next. ( she tends to give there 'cheerful' speeches every quarter- she rather be feared than loved..and we shoujld thank her every day that we are working for her.)
Im a manager there- and my client loves me...and we garnered atheir whole line of adveritisng right b4 I went out on maternity leave...but nothing is ever enuf...

so i am wondering for those of u who are returning to work...
how did you rethink your work style/work week?
how did you approach your boss?
wht steps did u take prior to taking to your boss...to figure out what you can and cannot swing ion this economy?
how did you work out daycare?
what r the costs of daycare you have seen?

I cannot relie on inlaws to watch Julianne as they are still working...
There are no family members within a decent driving time( less than an hour) that can help with daycare
I prefer out of home daycare in a larger setting IF I have to....
I HAVE TO WORK- argh



Jobs in Long beach do not pay ...and there are none in advertising that I have found.
I have been working in this field for 14 years now...

ADVICE?

First you need a
This is NOT an easy process (as I can only imagine) but since thousands of women do it everyday I am confident that I will also be able to figure all of this stuff out, when the time comes.
First off, you really need to start looking at daycare centers. There can be a wait for some of them, so start now. Call around, get referals, go visit the locations and get information. You can also call county agencies to make sure there are no criminal alligations against those centers. You should also bring your baby there before you go back to work full-time. You both need the time to adjust to the new schedule.
Call your boss and tell her your return date.
I am not sure if you want to cut your hours down, but maybe you should wait until you return to see how things are going there.
If you need your income, you need it. Do not apologize or feel bad about that. Cutting back on manicures is one thing, not having your LIPA bill paid is another. Sometimes adding up the cost of your working-bills (transportation, dry cleaning, lunches, day care, etc...) = more than you make, and sometimes it doesn't. You and your DH are the only people who can figure out if you can survive on one income or not. Sometimes people don't want to do without and that doesn't make you a bad mother either. Some women love their jobs and don't want to stop working- again you are not a bad mother for wanting to work.
I know that finding good, safe daycare should be top priority for you right now.