I've never had any problems returning to work in the capacity I've wanted (going from full time with staggered work hours per a roster - pre-kids - to part-time and standard daily work hours), but I do work for the public service. Mind you, since I started mat leave this time, the Qld public service has undergone a huge purge and I have no idea if (on the whole) it is as receptive to mothers returning to work as it previously has been. I'll find out later in the year!