Grad school while pregnant

[AspenRose]

This is a call for advice from ladies who have endured graduate school while expecting. I would also like to hear how your partners provided "logistical support" for you during and after the pregnancy while you were in school.

I start my MSW program in a month; my baby's due date has changed from Feb 1st to Feb 11th.

I have spoken to my grad advisor and the department head and they said I *do* have options, if it gets to be too much to *commute* 2 hours every Saturday, to attend class from 8 am to 4 pm. (Like taking a leave of absence for a year. The classes are sequential, so if you miss a semester you have to wait a year later to pick up where you left off.)

I have waited too long and have wanted to go to graduate school TOO BADLY (I'll be the first in my family of origin to go) to assume this CAN'T be done. I have two friends who have proven otherwise: One was in law school when she was pregnant; the other one graduates in 2 weeks and has two children under 3.

I'll be checking in periodically to see your advice. Right now there's a thunderstorm so I'm going to log off for a bit.

[SarahB]

1. I've done undergrad while pregnant and with kids.

Currently working on another undergrad degree too (not pregnant though). Just physically, you'll need at least a month at home afterwards, barring any complications, such as an early or complicated delivery. Add another 2-4 weeks if you're of the 25% who need a c-section. This doesn't even take into account how you feel leaving your baby for several hours at that point, but most of us have had to do it at one time or another to varying degrees. If you plan on breastfeeding (which I'd always recommend health-wise), you'll need breaks to pump every 3 hours or you'll be sore. It's not impossible if you can get a month off after ward and either work ahead prior to delivery and catch up after, but otherwise it would be pretty darn difficult to say the least.

Good luck. I know it's hard when conflicting needs and desires come into play. :hug: