Returning to study with four month baby

[BettyFriedansLoveChild]

I'm currently on maternity leave from a full time, funded PhD. I was planning on taking six months maternity leave (which is funded by my research board), but just two months in I am finding myself desperate to get back to my thesis as soon as I can. I am managing to do bits of reading etc whilst feeding, and my partner is very good at looking after DD whilst I do a couple of hours writing, but it's just not enough. I have tried working when she naps, but its never long enough for a sustained period of concentration. Would I be unreasonable put DD in a nursery two days per week from four months (going up to four days per week at six months when my leave period is up) so that I can carry on with my work?

I was going to post this in AIBU, but want validation more than anything else, so have moved it to feminism. I guess that the problem is that I am feeling guilty about wanting time away from her, yet my partner (who absolutely adores her) doesn't feel at all guilty about going out to work everyday. If he doesn't, why should I?

I returned to work (academia) after 6 weeks incapacity leave (as it is termed here) after both dc. (I also worked ft until the birth -as I expect you did. Academia is no respecter of weekends off etc). If you find someone/where well qualified to look after your lo there is no reason to feel guilty. I never pined for my babies; after all, you have the joy of looking after them all night every night and b-fing etc. My dc appear to have taken it all in their stride and are adjusted and happy.
DP and I do a kind of tag team parenting, seeing as we are both in academia. We divide up the hours of child care more or less evenly and renegotiate in times of avalanches of work. It works pretty well and I think DP sees more of his children than most of his contemporaries. Me, probably less, but I don't think this is a bad thing at all.

Meant to add: so I think you have no reason to worry. And good luck with the PhD!

OP - I am giving you a sincere applause for even doing what you've done so far

I took a year off from my undergrad course when DS was born (was either repeat the year or take 2 weeks off), went back for 6 months then quit altogether as each day dragged in and I just wanted to be at home.

Am now living in the bubble of being a SAHM to 2 kids and have to say I love every single second of it.

No one should judge you for what you and your DP want to do, and I'd be raging if anyone judged me for what suited our family best.

If your DC is well looked after that is the most important thing - be it with you, your DP or a paid carer. If you have the brain and talent to progress your studies then do so.