**Alisha**

lawby2005

Hey! I know that you go to grad school so in planning out next year, I thought I would ask you, did you take time off from school when Avery was born. I spoke to my mentor at school and she suggested I take the Summer term off but I am really hoping to push through with it and just get this degree plus I will be home for the summer with baby (if everything goes as planned, God willing).

Just wanted to know if you could share your experiences.

Thanks.

Alishanyc

Hey girl!

Yep, my advisor (Chair of the department) actually told me the same thing. However, I felt it wasnt right for me. 

Spending time with my baby - my first child was and is very important to me, however keeping this "train" that is my education on its tracks is as well. I had a fear of taking time off and the potential extra delays in getting back into it that could very well happen. Also, I need/want my degree asap so I can start earning..ya know? Im not 21 anymore. LMAO

Avery was born on 6/28 and so I had a good amount of time with her before classes started again in September. What I knew I had to have/do was at the very least, two things:

1. Get a routine started with her. No matter who tells you what, it is possible to get a newborn on a schedule. You pretty much cant control how they sleep during the day, but you CAN control their bedtime and such. And I did that. I made her bedtime 8:00 every night. This included a bath at 7:15 (to relax her), a bottle, and then because she slept in the bassinet next to my bed, I went into the darkened bedroom and put her to sleep. This is now helpful to this day because its still her bedtime, and I can study when she sleeps.

2. Support - babysitting. I dont know what your husband's work schedule is like, but you definitely need to get your babysitter plan set up, and a backup plan for emergencies (sitter is sick,etc). I lucked out because my husband gets home from work at 2:00pm, so I started my classes from 4:00 on. He stays with the baby while Im in school. If he cant, I have my best friend do it, since I dont have family, and I dont trust anyone with my baby. LOLOL

Plot your class schedule out early. If you have classes (days/times) that you REALLY need to get in, feel free to go talk to the dept. chair and let them know your situation. For example, for the upcoming semester, I picked all my classes, but there is one that is closed because its full. I have an appt. with the chair to talk about my need to get in the class (I have an infant, daycare issues) and most likely will get signed in. 

When your classes start, let the professor know you have a newborn at home, and that you have every intention of being present and giving 100% but that you might have to miss a class or two in an emergency, and how can you make your absences up. *Sometimes you can do extra work, or attend the professors class on a different day. 

Bottom line, its totally doable but it requires alot of planning. It also isnt easy emotionally. I had a hard time the first week of school leaving her with my husband. LOL. I went through the guilt, worry, anxiety. Even now, I text him a bunch of times to check on her. But you can do it!

What I WILL tell you to do for yourself - take extra detailed notes. For me, I found my memory is completely shot post baby. LOL.  Make use of planners (electronic or otherwise) to remind yourself about test dates, etc. I use index cards to remind myself of important topics on each subject...Stay on your prenatal vitamin for a while post baby - you'll need it, you will go through bouts of exhaustion.

Anything else you want to know, feel free!!

 

lawby2005

Thanks Alisha. The good thing is that my program is mostly online so seeing that you were able to do it and having to attend classes weekly, means that I should be able to do it as well. I am like you, I just want to give this my all and get it done in the 2 years that it is for.

I like  the idea of the routine. I will have to work on that once baby boy gets here.

Also good points on taking notes for helping with memorizing. I will keep on popping the PNVs too.

Thanks so much for the wealth of info!