Wow. I just googled “Sarah Palin and mommy wars” and came back with over 2 million results. If there is any good news from this horrendous political development, it is that the militant “moms shouldn’t work outside of the house” faction has been silenced, at least for the moment. Ellen Goodman says it all in this essay.

The more disturbing development for many working moms, and working parents in general, is this new message that it’s not that hard to give birth and then report back to work in three days and that the questions surrounding the juggle involved in raising a family and building a successful career are meaningless. Of course you can raise a family and succeed in your professional life. But please don’t tell me it’s easy and that the questions and struggles are “meaningless.”

Michelle Obama, another working mom, gives a contrasting view, emphasizing that working parenthood isn’t always a walk in the park. Like Michelle, I rely on my mother, sisters, friends and yes, husband, to make it through each week. More like a walk on a glacier, involving rope teams and crampons.