I've been asking myself this same question. DH is a low income earner ($27000) last financial year and this year is looking even worse. Whilst I was working before DD no 3 was born combined we were not eligable for much FTB and definately no health care card or other benefits. I can't go back to work at the moment as DH can't cope with the kids. Our youngest is 6weeks old. I'd like to return 1 or 2days a week at the end of the year but then anything we are now entitled to we know longer will be. So I will be working for no more money then I will get staying at home. DH will be more stressed and the kids will miss out. DH doesn't do swimming lessons, piano, athletcis etc that they do with me. We fight more.

The bad thing about me not returning to work is the loss of my skills. I work as a midwife or did up until 6weeks ago. For us to be financially better off then we currently are I need to return to work a minimum of 6days a fortnight and for DH to care for the kids so they don't go to daycare. Daycare for us means unhappy children, loss of work and income for either DH or I as the kids constantly have colds, gastro, even whooping cough in the past etc. For us its just not worth it. It was when we had 2 children but now with 3 thats another story.