I agree with 33girl and valkyrie.
It seems to me like this mother did arrange for what she thought would be responsible care for her child - namely, her sorority sisters. It was her sisters who then left the child alone.
Women should not be forced to put their entire lives on hold just because they have small children. As long as the child is cared for by a responsible adult or older teen - whether that's a babysitter (certified or not), dad, grandma, etc - mom should be free to go play bridge with her friends, go out to dinner, go volunteer at a soup kitchen, or go out and party until 3am.
Arranging for childcare is not the sole responsibility of the mother. Dad can pick up the phone and call the babysitter just as easily as mom can.
I adamantly refuse to put my life on hold when I have children. I informed my husband, long before we were even engaged, that I intend to continue to have a full-time career when I become a mother. The kids will go to day care. Ideally, one or both of us will be able to telecommute once a week so junior isn't totally being raised by strangers - but I flat out refuse to be a SAHM.
</soapbox>
