Husbands can often take over with cooking during times when children need extra mothering time. Or they may be able to play tickle with the kids while mom cooks. When my husband has to travel on business, I sometimes resort to a favorite short videotape so that I have enough time to cook dinner quickly. I also tried to let the housework go during the week. I definitely enlisted my daughter's help with the laundry and the dishes when I could.
Toddlers are such eager helpers.
Happiness is a choice, I decided. I feel like I only had time to blink and my toddler is now five and my newborn is now three. During the time I was a Leader of an evening LLL Group, we had many employed women who faced the same dilemma you describe. Nursing is the only thing your baby gets exclusively, which may be one of the reasons she asks to nurse more frequently and for longer periods of time. The good news is that there are other ways to meet her need to be close to you and bond with you.