she DID say that the most important thing was the bond between DD and I and that had to be paramount
Exactly, Fiona I hate when the saying is used and the bond between mother and child comes secondary to what will really only make the mummy somewhat happier (well, maybe).
To me, it shouldn't be a case of Happy Mummy first then the baby can decide if that makes happy baby, it needs to be a case of "I'm going to do something for myself that will contribute to increasing our bond", even if that means a solo outing to recharge and come back to give everything to that child that the mother has, and that the mother has support around her to give that everything.
Yep, nodding my head off about the bonding!