I have the option of taking 26 weeks of maternity leave (6 months). Only 8 weeks would be paid (and I can tack on probably 2 weeks of vacation to get paid for 10 weeks). While it sounds great, I currently make more than double what my husband makes and living off of his salary for 4 months would be difficult. My current thinking is taking 4 months off (and being unpaid for roughly 7 weeks). We have time to save more and do having savings, but I know that children can be so expensive so I would really like to make a smart decision here.

I know this is a really personal choice....so I'm wondering when you were "ready" to go back to work. Do you wish you took more or less maternity leave?