Maternity leave. Affordable child-care. Flexible work arrangements. When US first lady Michelle Obama said she wanted to help working women balance career and family, American moms applauded - and immediately came up with a wish-list of policy changes.

"I'm so psyched she is bringing this issue to the forefront," said Geniene Pernotto, 43, a marketing director and single mother of one in Youngstown, Ohio.

Pernotto quit her demanding corporate job in New York City in exchange for a pay cut and shorter hours at a nonprofit in northeastern Ohio. But she laments that she had to choose.