grad school and baby

karaelaine1991

Hi, Mommies! 

I am expecting my baby to be here June 2. However, I am not supposed to graduate from grad school until the end of July (I'm getting my master's in library science). The current plan is to take 2 online classes, 1 night class, and finish my 10hr/week internship as planned. I would put all of this off for a few months, but I have a full scholarship and will lose it if I'm not in school full time or quit my internship... and we can't afford grad school without the scholarship.

Obviously, I"m going to be in for an exhausting and challenging 2 months. But have any of you done this before? Am I attempting the impossible? 

SunAndRain

Have you talked to your advisors about your situation? They might be able to accommodate your family needs without jeopardizing your scholarship. Just get it is writing!

While I haven't been in your situation, I think trying to focus on anything related to grad school right after baby is born will be extremely challenging. That said, I've come to realize that moms are superheros, capable of anything, so I believe you will find a way to manage if that is what you have to do.

karaelaine1991

Thanks for the advice! We do have a disability department that I will probably talk to, just to get my pregnancy officially acknowledged, even if I can't do anything else beyond that... hopefully, that will help at least a little! 

2chatter

I could not have worked 10 hours per week in the two weeks after my first. After two weeks, no problem. Is there some sort of accommodation? I would look into that.

TheBorg7of9

Could you work 20 hours a week for a few weeks before the Baby is born instead?

minirella

I'm thinking if it is only 2 months, you can push through it. There was a girl I went to nursing school with that had a baby (she had the baby on our first clinical day), took 2 weeks off, and came right back. We were only allowed 1 clinical absence but she was able to make one of the days up during the semester. Our hospital clinical was 10 hours, once a week. I would talk to your program head if possible and see if there is any way to put in some hours prior to having the baby.

MommyAtty

I went to law school with a woman who got pregnant our 2nd year. She missed two days of classes, then it was spring break, then she was back and took finals on time a few weeks later. Did summer clerkships after that. So yes. It's possible. Hard, but possible.

litzo27

One of my PhD students had her baby girl in August two weeks before starting classes of her first year. It was tough but her H pitched in and her retired parents moved in with her for the first year. It was tiring but she did it and rocked her classes. Pumping on campus was a pain though.

karaelaine1991

Thanks so much for the info, everyone! I will be looking into the option of taking the first 2 weeks off, with with putting in 20 hours/week at my internship before the due date. Thanks again for the help!  

rockychryslerb2010

I am in this situation now.  I'm in my last 3.5 weeks of my last MBA class, and C is 3.5 weeks.  I was in the midst of a class when I had C, but I emailed my professor and worked ahead as much as possible.  I was still able to turn in my final paper when C was less than 2 weeks.  I will say, this class is much more challenging.  I'm home with E and C during the day, and am exhausted by the time DH comes home.  I have help come in a few days a week to take care of E.  He's almost 3 and needs constant engagement.  With C, I put in in my office with me and she sleeps / nurses as I study.  It is hard, challenging, but I wanted to finish on time.  It is totally doable, but take advantage of any help you can get.  Also, this is hard for me, but I know I'm not putting 100% into this class, I just have my focus on other things and school is much less of a priority right now.

litzo27

@rockychryslerb2010 - congrats on being almost done and with a baby in tow!

Tink112011

It's not ideal, but it can be done since it's only 2 months. 

DS was 3 weeks old when I graduated with my MBA.  Work ahead and get as much done as possible before baby arrives. 

karaelaine1991

@rockychryslerb2010 - Wow, you are a champ!! Can't imagine grad school with a newborn AND a toddler. Thanks so much for the advice! And congrats on being almost done  

Beevol

Most professors and programs will be pretty accommodating in terms of letting you work ahead for a pregnancy because unlike most health concerns it's a happy thing and a leave after the birth can be planned for in advance. I went to grad school with pregnant ladies and moms and they shined - you will too! 

I'd just say hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Get as much done and line up as much help as you can ahead of time. It will be easier to tell people you don't actually need all the extra fuss than to have to ask for it when you're also dealing with postpartum hormones/sleep deprivation/etc. 

billybumbler

I finished my master's degree while on maternity leave from work. It's hard, but certainly possible. When I was about 12 weeks pregnant I talked with my advisor and also with the program coordinator. I did some stuff ahead of time while still pregnant, then after she was born I came back and had some extra work to make up for the time I was away.

Something that really helped was that during the week I would go one afternoon to my mom's house and she would watch DD while I studied and wrote my dissertation - she would bring me the baby only to nurse. 

lann1068

Hi There - I am mostly a lurker but relate to your post. I had my son in the 3rd year of my phd program. It was terrifying but I made it work okay. The two months are going to be so hard, but being on the other side of it all now, I just want to encourage you. I would definitely talk about the expectations of your advisers and manage a way to make it through. I would also make sure that you have excellent child care already established - maybe your spouse? If you plan to breastfeed - I would also make sure you consult with a LC. Good luck! You can do it - the pain is temporary.

karaelaine1991

Thanks so much for all of the encouragement, everyone! I really appreciate all of the advice and kind words!