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.
With my first son I was rung up when he was 5 weeks old and they were desparate for someone to cover lunches so I went in.. I was told it would be once a week. Within 1 week I was back monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday. I didn't even think it was too soon.....until my son was 11 months old and I was cranky and tired ALL the time.. I quit. I now have 4 children. My eldest is over 12 and I havent been back to work since. I might go back when DD is in school but I only want to work school hours so who knows
I can't wait to go back to work. I love my boys but I miss using my brain. I feel like I haven't used my brain in 2 years. Financially we would be ok if I stayed home full time but it's not for me.
With DS1 I went back 3 days a week when he was 13 months as starting work in January suited childcare. With DS2 I'll be going back 3 days in March when he is 9 months.
As others have said, it's a very individual choice and depends on so many factors including family support, finances, how happy you are being a full-time SAHM and the impact that has on your relationship.
With both my girls I felt the ideal scenario would be for me to work two days per week providing that they had one-on-one care when they were very little. That was possible with DD1 and I went back to work five days per fortnight when she was 12 months old with DP looking after her or a one-on-one carer that we managed to get from the local childcare centre still with the 50% rebate. We qualified because DP is a shiftworker.
If we could do the same arrangement again, I'd go back to work but we can't. We can't get one-on-one care for the girls in the country since we moved and I can't find a part-time job for two days per week. So I've compromised and I'll be putting DD2 into childcare when she's 18 months old and I will either try freelancing from home or do my Masters. That's earlier than I would like but I need the break and would like to start doing something for me. I also think that for me, being a full-time SAHM has a huge impact on my relationship with DP. Essentially, I'm a bit bored and need some mental stimulation.
Before I had bubs, I didn't want to return to work at all - at least until my youngest was in kindy. Then when I fell pregnant, I wanted to take 12 months off before picking up some casual work. Now, I'm looking at working three days a fortnight starting in January, so DS will be 6 months old. I feel torn about it - it makes me sick to think of being away from him for even a couple of hours, but I'm also looking forward to going back to work. It may sound silly, but I really felt good at my job, competent and confident. As a mum, I've felt lost and unsure, and being a SAHM isn't what I thought it was going to be. Our plan was for me to stay home and for DH to work a second job because financially, we need a second income. But I've decided to work one or two days per week and DH will stay home with bub those days. In saying all this, I don't think I would have made this decision if I had to put DS into daycare.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful replies And i really do agree with many of you that it is such an individual thing and it will be interesting or perhaps frustating to see what they have to say about it and whether or not working mummas will be bagged.
For us, we can easily survive off of one income but i need time to myself, i like socialising and i think DP having one-on-one time with DD is important. It does suck that we have no days off together but we make it work. I am considering getting DD into daycare once a week starting from 18 months i just think interaction with other children is important plus will give me a full day by myself at home to be myself.
I've been told numerous times by a particular family member that i am selfish and abandoning my DD for choosing to work but it doesnt phase me i wont be working full time until my kids are in high school or unless i have to sooner but not when theyre little.
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And i really do agree with many of you that it is such an individual thing and it will be interesting or perhaps frustating to see what they have to say about it and whether or not working mummas will be bagged. 
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