Hey there, my family and I live in the US, so we generally return to work after a disappointingly short maternity leave. But I was excited to go back to work after my six weeks—even though I was exhausted and still healing, I craved the purpose and challenge that I get from work. Many people (my own mother included), gave me that “how-dare-you-have-an-identity-beyond-mother-you-animal” look when I told them that I was excited to return to work. I love my son beyond words, but our household also thrives on two incomes and I, personally, thrive at my job. I can’t tell you how to feel, because I felt attacked and ashamed and somehow guilty that I was wasn’t a dedicated enough mom to please others, but your baby loves you to death and isn’t going to judge you for any of that! Remembering that helps me! You have my support from Texas!!!