It’s a dilemma that many couples face, though not on this grand of a scale: how soon should a mom go back to work after giving birth – and if the couple is already stinking rich beyond their wildest dreams, should the mom rush to go back to work at all? That’s the situation singer Gwen Stefani is finding herself in right now, according to the National Enquirer.

Gwen Stefani is reuniting with her old band – and their summer tour plans have thrown her household into turmoil.

Those close to the 39-year-old pop singer/fashion icon and her rocker husband Gavin Rossdale, 41, fear that Gwen’s amped-up career with band No Doubt could damage the couple’s six-year marriage.

“Gwen just gave birth to their second son in late August, and she will be taking on way too much with a new album and a world tour next year,” an insider told the Enquirer. “She’s already raising the boys, keeping up homes in Los Angeles and London, working on her clothing line L.A.M.B. and wants to start recording the first No Doubt album in seven years. A world tour will put too big a strain on the family.”

Solo artist Gavin also believes that Gwen should put their sons – Kingston, 2 1/2, and 4-month-old Zuma – and him before her band, according to the insider.

“Gavin feels they have more than enough money, and he doesn’t understand Gwen’s motivation for getting back on the road,” explained the insider. “It’s not like he wants her to give up her career, but he thinks a few years focusing on their boys is what’s best for the family. He’s also worried that a lengthy world tour will cut into the quality time that their relationship needs to thrive.”

[From The National Enquirer, print version, Dec. 15, 2008]

There could be some truth to this story. I remember being very surprised after the birth of the couple’s first son, Kingston, at how quickly Gwen went back to work in support of her solo album “The Sweet Escape,” especially after all her talk in the press about how desperately she wanted to be a mom. Kingston was born in May 2006 and Gwen embarked on her world tour in December of that year, bringing hubby and baby along with her. It seemed like she and her husband were able to make it all work, though, despite the many demands of her career. But having a second child can change everything – sometimes it feels like it’s not twice the work, but exponentially more so. Still, I have to wonder how much of this could be Gavin’s “sour grapes” over the unofficial death of his own career. He had a solo album out earlier this year with a single that got a little radio play, but nothing to rival that of his wife’s success. It must be tough for him to sit on the sidelines and watch Gwen be the big star. However, Gavin also needs to realize that this is what his wife does for a living and it’s what she loves. The singer has said often that No Doubt is more than just her band – they are family to her. I’m sure the couple can hire some extra help while mom is gone on tour, and the kids will be just fine.

Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani are pictured shopping in L.A. over the Thanksgiving weekend with their youngest son, Zuma. He is so sweet! And just for fun, a photo of Gavin and Kingston playing in a park in L.A. that same weekend. Photo credits: WENN.