[aussiegal]

I think Carang has got the right idea. If you find yourself struggling a lot, be it with guilt, lack of time for your child, it's worth rethinking your career, especially in the first few years of their life.

I understand that not everyone can, for financial reasons but if you don't need to work to support you and your family why miss out on those precious years when our kids love us unconditionally?! Plenty of time to work when they start to know better.

I run my own business, working from home 3 days a week and going into the office the remaining 2. It's perfect. Absolutely no guilt.

[Buckeroo]

I understand that not everyone can, for financial reasons but if you don't need to work to support you and your family why miss out on those precious years when our kids love us unconditionally?!

Totally agree with aussiegal. I thought I would give it a try (i.e. continue working after the birth of my son), but it was not working out. I HATED being just a weekend mom and I HATED being "disturbed" by clients and the office during my precious weekends (nature of the job), so I quit.

Now I run my own business and work from home most days. No regrets at all. I am very lucky to have a husband who supports what I do and with this set-up, I get to spend time with both my kids and get to work my schedule around theirs. I'm happy to be doing something I love, happy that it's something that allows me time with my kids.
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Some women can successfully balance a full-time career with motherhood --I sincerely say hats off to them. That doesn't make SAHM or WAHM any less admirable. Whatever works for you and your family, I say. :) If you are really struggling (with guilt), you need to review your options and hopefully find the right balance. Good luck.