Having a baby while in College?

Question

Does anyone have an experience whole having an infant while in college? My husband and I have been married for 3 years and are considering starting our family rather early. He has finished school and has a stable career and our income could support a baby (on a budget), but I'm nervous about finishing school during my child's infancy. Daycare costs are low in my region, and I have support from my husband.

I have a lot of experience with children, but I know having your own is different. What are your thoughts on someone choosing to start a family early??

Answer

Well, for me personally I fond that the thought of having a child makes me more productive and more motivated. A family is my desire, and I don't want to have to wait 5+ years to start one because of school. To be honest, it makes me kind of hate school because its just in the way.

Answer

Go for it. I did while in school without stability. I'm fine and so is my husband and son.  Five years later, my husband and I have careers and my son is learning to read at 4.  You can do it :)

Answer

I've had friends who when through school while pregnant/with an infant and did just fine. Obviously its going to be a bit of a struggle and harder then if you didn't gave a baby but it is more then possible if you put your mind to it :) I say if you guys feel ready and want a child go for it! Good luck!

Answer

I had my daughter in law school. Infants are actually easier, in my experience, because they really just lay around. Toddlers are a different story. Studying for the bar exam with a 2 year old was a nightmare. You can do anything with the right attitude and support system! :)

Answer

You can do it if you try! As long as you and your husband are on the same page, I say go for it. I've had friends that worked, went to school and raised a family. The husband and wife just took turns going to school.

Answer

You may also qualify for campus child care

Answer

Thanks everyone!

Answer

We had our little surprise last year... Lol She was born in February, so I took that semester off. Last semester, I was only part time, so my husband was able to adjust his schedule to watch her while I was in class. Now, I have a job, and I'm going to school full time. He still watches her mostly (we're lucky that his job is flexible), and we have a sitter to watch her the rest of the time. I think babysitters can be cheaper than daycare, but they can be less reliable. I would just plan the best you can while you're pregnant. If you go the babysitter route, make sure you have a few back-ups whether they be relatives or friends. And ask around for good day area if you decide that. And make a schedule for yourself! It's hard to block out studying and homework time, but it is possible. :)

Answer

Do you work or are you only in school? The reason I'm asking is because I'm a mom of a 2 year old. I work full time and am in college. It is extremely difficult for me. My husband works long hours so I'm more of a single parent even though I'm married. I don't at all regret starting my family when I did but it is so hard! My suggestion to you is if you do work at the same time-look into whether or not it would be possible to be a stay at home mom while finishing school, definitely check into how much longer you have before you graduate. If you only have a year or so left I would personally wait. Make sure you have support from relatives. You will need a sitter whether it be for attending class or even going to the library to study. Take it from me...there's no studying happening with an infant or toddler!

Answer

I had my daughter while in my PhD program and it was really hard. Being a mom in those first few months really is a full-time job. If you feel like you have time to wait, then I would recommend finishing first.

But, it's not impossible. My undergrad students who have very young kids or give birth mid-semester don't usually perform at the top of the class, but many (although not all) do just fine. It's all about your own priorities. However, don't underestimate how exhausting it is to take care of a newborn.

Having a baby while in College?

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