In some ways I find this thread very judgemental even though it is a good topic. I just want to add that for some to hear HM=HB is there ticket out of something they didn't or did want to do. Say if they wanted to co-sleep but thought it was dangerous until someone they knew suggested it would make their baby happier HM=HB or vice versa and both got a great outcome. I also believe that in regards to BFing it is unfair to say that every woman who chooses to FF isn't truly happy. There are plenty of women out there perfectly happy with this and just because we all know that BFing is best doesn't mean they are any less of a mother because they believe they are creating a happier household. It is also about the other people in the family not just mother and baby. Also everyone has a different definition of happiness and what makes you happy and if a parent feels the need to use childcare or go out for a coffee for some sanity it is not our right to judge them and take anything away from their role as a mother. Who are we to say who should and shouldn't have children because none of us are perfect and most of us strive to be the best we can be even if that isn't good enough for some. Everyone is in different stages of their life when they become parents and it effects everyone differently. Also how much support, your personality lots of things come into how you parent but it doesn't mean one way is better then the other. IMO we are here to support one another and if that means some fuzzy words now and then then thats ok.
Someone mentioned earlier about being stimulated by adults and teachers mustn't be stimulated etc well thats not really a fair argument either because they talk to other teachers in the staff room and parents, even the lolly pop lady.
I also believe that while obviously your identity changes when you have a child it's ok to feel like you have left something behind and pine for that occasionally, it's healthy but at the end of the day you know if your children are or aren't happy and you do something to correct that. You can still be a dedicated parent if you feel this way and it is wrong to say just because you have dreams outside parenthood you aren't 100% dedicated. Your children will leave one day and IMO it is good to retain some independence so that when that time comes it isn't so traumatic for the mother.
It used to be that a village raised a child and it's still that way in lots of other cultures and animal kingdoms and children can be stimulated by people other then their parents and still be happy and so can the parents.
Hope my little rant makes sense. I'm sure there's more but that will do for now.