I think it's great that you are so concered about how your wife will feel! You are a star! I would make sure that you spend the time between now and when she starts work going through the routine and making note of times and techniques that she uses  ( this will make her contribution and involvement validated and make her less anxious) I would also make sure that you either text her or email her 2 or 3 times a day with little bits of info so  that she is involved. I love the idea of a lunch date once a week! Once she is home, catch her up wit the latest news on the day, then you should take time for you ...even three times a week, head off for a walk, a bile ride or something else for half and hour or so. This will give your wife time with bub and make her feel more involved and give you a bit of a break ( bubs are more demanding than a job!) Understanding your wifes concerns is the biggest hurdle!!!! It is so hard to leave them when you have been there 24 /7 stress and anxiety are to be expected, go with it and make sure that you reassure her without making her feel absolete...you don't have to be super Dad...text her for advice particularly in the first few weeks, even if you think you can handle it by yourself...the involvement is the most important thing!!!

I went back to work after 3 months and my DH stayed home with the baby during the day, worked nights.  It was really hard in the beginning because I felt like I should have been able to care for her, my had a less flexible job and earned more than DH so it just made sense to have DD with him.  Some things that we did were to keep connected, we thought it would be as simple as a call or two a day, but things got more complex when DD REFUSED to take a bottle (that's a whole other story), so in the AM DH would bring her for a nursing run and I would come home in the PM.  It gave DD and I some needed connection time and gave me time to hear about her day.  Even with the nursing breaks, it was hard.  One thing that I really liked was having a notebook where DH would keep notes about their day.  Sometimes it would be simple; like had a wet diaper at 2 pm, and others days more detailed, but it helped me feel like I knew what was going on even when I had to be at work.  I really thought it was helpful to have my DH call me; that way he could pick a time when the baby was calm and happy instead of my calling when she could be upset which would then make me more sad for having to be at work.  I guess maybe sometimes I was jealous of the time DH and DD had together, but I think that after I saw how much she needed me (and wanted me) when I came home it was easier to let go. 

that is hard.  Adjustment time is to be expected.   But, have you considered putting bubs into childcare even if just for a couple of hours a couple of days a week?  It might make the lady of the house feel a bit better about things.

I agree with the two other moms that posted before me.  I think their ideas are wonderful regarding lunch dates and if possible, get a web cam and maybe on one of her short breaks she can click to see you with the baby.  I feel for your wife, I know how she feels about having to leave the baby to go back to work.  I was in the military doing it all by myself and when maternity leave was up, it was up and momma had to go back to work. 

I eventually got used to it and the days and time I got to spend with my little girl were just that much more valuable and I didn't waste it.  I think that it's great that you are able to stay at home with baby as most dads do not get that chance.

I believe you both will get into the groove of things and it will all work out.  Don't forget to note the "cute" little things that the baby does, this is so important to a mom.  I remember calling my husband everytime our son even made a new type of sound lol.  You may even find yourself doing it too lol.  So even though it might seem something small and insignificant, keep a little record of it for her, I am sure she will love that.  Also include pictures of the baby too.  Mom's like lots and lots of pictures

I suggest to set up some sort of schedule for updates. Maybe you can call her 2x a day (depending on her wishes) to tell her what the baby has done. Sometimes an occassional email of a smile your baby has done that day may make a difference in easing her anxiety too.

The suggestion of a lunch sounds great too, if it's doable. Maybe have a set schedule one day a week to meet up for lunch somewhere with the baby.

I would suggest, if possible, breaking up your wife's day away from the baby by meeting for lunch. That way she can also be part of your baby's  feeding routine, see baby before the end of the day and you can both have some quality time outside of the home. One of my work colleagues is also a working mum with dad at home with baby and they have a lunch date whenever they can.

Good to see another dad on Minti .

I'm sure there are plenty of dads out there who also need some parenting tips and general support!

Hope the lunch tip helps, even in a small way.