For a lot of women, long maternity leaves or quitting until their children start kindergarten is no longer an option. Their husbands' job losses have forced the moms to return to work sooner than they had planned.

In her article, As Economy Slips, New Mothers Cut Short Their Maternity Leave, Dana Mattioli discusses the increased number of working mothers in the workforce. Working part time is also not a luxury they can afford now that they are the sole providers for their families.

The sudden role reversal isn't all bad as it allows fathers to get to know their children better and to understand what their wives cope with on a daily basis. Coversely, working moms get a taste of what it feels like to be the sole or primary provider for their families. It's a difficult adjustment that could lead to unexpected rewards once the recession comes to an end.

The stress of adjusting to their roles as primary earners can, for some women, exacerbate postpartum depression or post partum anxiety, writes Mattioli.

Returning to work shortly after having a baby is not unheard of, but when it has to be done willy nilly because a spouse has lost his job, it can take an emotional toll.

Although going back to work is a necessity for a lot of new moms across the country, it's only a temporary condition that will improve someday soon, allowing them to assume the roles of stay-at-home moms once more ... if they want.