Moms: Need advice for scheduling

bridz2be

I'm currently working on my masters and need to make some decisions about scheduling for next year. I'm planning on taking a semester off but really don't want to miss an entire year--the sooner I'm done, the better! If I were to take a fall class, I'd need to check with my advisor and see if I could possibly finish at home. I'm due 12/6 and classes end that same week. Chances are I could make it, or of course if I deliver early, I'd need to finish up somehow. Spring classes start Jan. 25, so the baby would be about 7 weeks old, or around there. I'd still be home for another month, month and a half before having to return to work. Classes would end in May, work in June.

DH thinks that its going to be hard for me to take a fall class, with just getting tired and the start of the school year/fall is always busy, plus with our prep for the baby and I have to have plans prepared for maternity leave to a certain extent. Then again, I'm not sure how I feel about taking on a class with an infant and then returning to work in March--that will be an adjustment in itself.

Any thoughts? Your feedback and honesty would be much appreciated! It is only three hours a week, but paper writing, etc. has to be considered. DH will be done with his masters in August, so that is a relief! I'm really not sure what to do.

Thanks! 

spunkielexis196

I admire what you are doing, Congratulations!

 I know when I was off when I had Gunnar I had all these "grand plans" of what I would do, none happened, he was awake every couple of hours to eat and even though at times I tried to sleep when he did, I was drained mentally and physically.

With that being said, I think I would, if it was me, take the class while still pregnant, but look into alternative plans in the event you are unable to make it to class. 

 Good luck in making the decision, either way it is hard, but relax and enjoy your pregnancy also. 

Christina617

I agree with PP.  I would take the class in the fall while you're still pregnant.  Good luck!

LClaire

I'd definitely vote for in the fall, too:) It won't be the most fun, but in the spring semester it's going to be more than enough to keep you super busy with a new baby and getting adjusted to a new schedule with the baby and getting back to work, etc. Plus the added element of having to go to class or just generally try to get work done while you just want to be with your new baby would be really hard both emotionally and physically. Not impossible, but I do think it would be easier to get the semester out of the way in the fall and give yourself a break in the spring semester to get into a routine and get past the newborn phase.

innerpeace

I definitely vote for taking the fall class too and planning to take off in the spring.  Our pregnancy was a surprise; we had wanted to wait another year or two because I was still working on my master's thesis and classes.  I was due in March and I knew that I had to finish before then.  It gave me extra motivation to finish and I pulled it off.  I didn't have any issues  with working on it while pregnant but I am sure I never would have finished yet if I would have waited until after baby.  Baby was a huge adjustment for me-- and we're still adjusting!  Good luck!

rlthomas7

Looks like for once you're getting the same feedback! Definitely do the fall, but have contingency plans. I was pulled out of work a full two months before Adam was born. I was luckily able to work from the hospital and home, but some people can't do that. Make sure your teachers will be able to work with you if something unexpected happens. It probably won't, but it is always a possibility.

And there's no way I'd try for the spring. I don't think I was a functioning human being until Adam was around 6 months old!

RosePks

I was going to suggest the spring just because the classes in the fall end so close to your due date. At that stage of my pregnancy (the last two weeks) I could barely make it through a day of work much less work and class and homework.  Although if you can arrange it so that you have an understanding professor who will work with you then go for it in the fall. Good Luck!

 

 

 

RaeAnt

I would also go with the fall classes. I would talk to each of your Professors privately about your situation as well. All mine have been more than flexible when dealing with various situations such as medical or being pregnant. They want you to succeed and generally do all they can to see that you accomplish your goals.

bridz2be

Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate it. I was also leaning towards the fall class, but wanted to put some feelers out there in case anyone was thinking anything I wasn't. I'm only a year and a half into the 4 year program (none of it is online...bummer), but it is something that I definitely think I can handle. Really, if I plan to continue teaching I have no choice but to get my masters within 7 years of my hire date...so I'm going to keep on going.

Unfortunately, if something does happen and I'm not able to continue the class from home or wherever, I'll be out $1300 since my county won't repay unless I finish within the time frame. But, I guess it is a risk I'll take. Unfortunately, some classes I'm working one on one with kids since it's reading specialization. I plan on emailing the professor next and looking at the syllabus for what the class entails.

 

Thanks everyone!