Dear Dr. Laura,
I am part of an online support group that addresses illness and medical problems. This is usually a wonderful and compassionate group of women. Many topics come up in conversation, besides that of the illness and its complications in our lives.
I gasped as I read the question on the screen, "Would you go back to work 1 week after giving birth?"
I though the question was strange, but I was even more astounding with the answers! Most women replied with an immediate "no". A few moments later there was a follow up post, with suggested timelines to resume work after childbirth. Some of the posts were even generous enough to suggest that a tiny, helpless infant with constant physical and emotional needs should get 4 or maybe 6 weeks of their mother's time.
It breaks my heart, but it makes me even more grateful for your encouragement of stay at home mothers. Every time you get through to one more young mama, I will be cheering you on. As I write this, I am curled up next to my tiny 5 week old boy. I try to comfort myself with the thought that, no matter what my failings are as a mom, there are very few moments of this sweet precious life that I will not be present for.
Thank you for your work.
~Amber
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