] There was (and is!) a church service for "officially" recognising women back into society like this.

Had it done twice!!!
] It mainly gives thanks for the "safe deliverance" of mother and child and , in JA's England, seems to have been performed at any time that any other services were carried on. I don't think there was a statuory time to wait before it was done,though- I think it was when the woman felt herself ready. The ceremony is called "Churching" and probably goes way, way, back to times when a mother who had given birth was considerd "unclean"... but again, I don't think that particular sentiment really applies to JA's time.

No, but I am reminded of my Grandmother - a true Victorian born 1883- who strongly dissapproved of women visiting her before they were Chruched.She felt they should amke their first journey into the outside world to a Church to give thanks before going gadding about the neighbourhood!