Great points, on both of your posts above. I would disagree that the new way is better for men, just better for adolescent, hedonistic, physically mature adolescent males.
My wife is due in March and will have the first 6 months off before she needs to head back to work. I hate the thought of a 6 month old in day care.
Try to figure out a way that she does not have to work. Or at least figure a way for one parent to be at home and the other to work. (eg. one work nights and one works days)
Take out loans if you need to.