I don't think there is an answer to this question. I think if mum is feeling up to it, she could possibly return to work by the week after having bubs (but I would hope that Dad is then staying home to care for bubs). It really is individual.

In my job, I certainly could return to work straight after having bubs if I chose to - it is only casual, and is only for 2hrs at a time that I would be away from baby, so not a big deal to me, so long as DH where there to look after them. But I have chosen not to for personal reasons completely unrelated to my baby (so I can loose as much weight as possible before returning). If I worked full-time I wouldn't return any quicker then I had too, but that is just a personal chose, which is evident in the fact that I have chosen to be a SAHM for the past 6yrs.

Despite my firm belief that every woman has the right to make the decision for herself and her family, I do feel sad for babies that are put into long daycare five days a week from a very early age so both parents can work. I feel sorry for the parents as well, as they are all missing out on so many special moments together. But I don't judge them for it - they must have a reason for doing it, because I don't know any parent who wouldn't miss their newborn and those special moments.