[Jamroll]

Originally Posted by PhDGirl

I actually don't think modern Western women are necessarily expected to work after kids (if their husbands can afford it). Many of my American friends stopped working after kids and there's a huge movement of mom's groups and such. I'm in a women's volunteer organization and a bunch of the other ladies don't work (regardless of kids) and spend their time doing volunteer work.

I agree with that. I think having a child is a huge burden on the mother, both physically and emotionally, and it's sad when women are pressured to return to work within a few weeks of giving birth. It's also been proven to be more beneficial for the baby to have the mother (or father, I guess) around especially in the first couple of years.

I think I'd like my wife to take some time out when she has the baby. Even though it might be a financial strain, it will be good for both mum and baby. If she wants to go back to work after the little one's a bit older then that's fine. Society seems to take everything in life and give it a financial value, and in that regard, mothers and/or housewives (or fathers and/or househusbands) are looked down upon or dismissed as "not contributing". We need to get our priorities straight as a society, and realise a lot of our societal problems are a direct result of not enough family time.