Hi T.,
Your message struck a chord with me, as I gave up working (also in the entertainment industry) when my son was born three years ago. The hardest thing for me was feeling that I had somehow given up on myself, not just my career. I felt like now that I'm someone's mom, I'm no longer myself anymore, and the things that were important to me (my writing, my work) just dropped off the radar completely.
It was a totally pragmatic decision for us in many ways - my husband is a physician, so we get by just fine on his salary alone. We knew we wanted one of us to stay home for the first few years rather than use day care, and it made sense that it be me, since he earns more. But it also felt like some sort of anti-feminist return to the Donna Reed 1950s, as I'm now a stay-at-home mom who does most of the cooking and cleaning.
One thing my husband and I talk about frequently that helps me feel not-so-horrible is how this is just a phase in our lives, and when this phase is over, we'll enter a new phase - one in which my work comes back into importance and the kids (we're thinking about having a second child - just as my son is getting ready to start nursery school - are we nuts?!) are a little more independent - in school, in activities of their own, etc.
I also am very lucky in that my husband and I work hard to make sure I get some "me" time every week. I would recommend, if you can make it work, giving yourself one activity that lets you focus on yourself, at least for a little while. I don't mean just straight "pampering", like a manicure or something (although that's nice, too), but rather a somewhat creative or work-related pursuit that exercises that part of your brain that is not dedicated to diapers, healthy snacks and playdates. (I take fiddle lessons, which has NOTHING to do with my work, but it's somethign I've always wanted to do and I can practice as much or as little as I have time for.)
Taking care of your family is a full-time job, but it often feels like thankless work, so sometimes you have to thank yourself. I think you said it best yourself in your original question when you said you felt guilty for walking away from your career "for now." Remember that this IS just for now - if your work is important to you, you WILL get back to it, and perhaps you'll even appreciate it more.
I hope this helps, and I hope you're able to take it easy on yourself.
Take care,
C.