[NY Nurse]

When would you start a family? During school or after you graduate?

[mariedoreen]

That's a pretty personal question... meaning everyone will have a different answer based on their situation. My opinion on the matter doesn't mean a whole lot to whatever your situation is, but since you asked I'll give it. Assuming I'm young, newly married, extremely fertile, and not already pregnant... I would definately wait until school was done.

[labcat01]

Originally Posted by mariedoreen

That's a pretty personal question... meaning everyone will have a different answer based on their situation. My opinion on the matter doesn't mean a whole lot to whatever your situation is, but since you asked I'll give it. Assuming I'm young, newly married, extremely fertile, and not already pregnant... I would definately wait until school was done.

I think Marie is right on. I had a baby my last semester of grad school (and I was lucky enough to have insurance) but it was not easy. My grades really tanked and I could barely stay awake in class. I also vote for waiting until after graduation.

[wildmountainchild]

Duh,

Wait til after graduation. I don't have kids and I still get so burned out that it's hard for me to stay focused and keep my head in the game at the end of each year. Imagine doing clinicals at 7 or 8 months. Or worse, after being up all night taking care of the kiddo (and the hubby). Yuck, no thanks. Finish school, get some experience, and then pop the lil bugger out.

But seriously, I would want to revel in my pregnancy and in the birth of my little one. I don't think I would enjoy the experience as much if I was stressed with nursing school.

[moongirl]

While in school , I barely have time to go to the bathroom.. I cant even imagine having a newborn- my babies woke up every 2 hours to eat for the first 2 months of their lives.. throw in clinicals, prep, tests, there is no way I could have made it. its hard enough with them being 10 and 7. You wont have time for YOURSELF, let alone a new baby.

[valifay]

I agree, its a pretty personal question. For me, I'm waitng until after I finish school and have a decent job that I enjoy. I have a friend that started her family while she is in school and goes part time here and there and is taking her time to finish. But it fits her lifestyle and she's fine with that. I, on the other hand, just want to get back to school and get it over with!

[Melissa B RN]

It would probably be easier on you if you waited until after you graduated. My daughters are 14 and 12 and it is not easy to balance them, work, and school I can't even imagine going through school with little bitty ones.

Best of luck to you with whatever decision you make.

[hopefulstudent06]

I really urge you to wait. I have a 3 year old and it is really hard even with help from my husband. Noone does it like mommy. Also when I was pregnant, I had way too much stress. I started to have complications with my pregnancy because of too much stress. My son was born a month early and spent 11 weeks in the hospital and went home with an apnea monitor. He is fine and is a normal 3 year old wild child. I have not stared the nursing program yet but listening to everyone talk, it will be stressful to say the least. Focus on getting through school right now. Wait until afterwards to start a family. Good luck with school and everything else.

[NY Nurse]

At first my post was not that question. Actually it was much more detailed to my situation. But no one, of 57 people that viewed the thread, even replied. So I changed it to that question.

My situation is this. I am 31 and my husband is 35. We want a child but I know that the worse thing I could do is have a baby while in school. But I'm also worried about having one after graduation. I mean, it all doesn't end at graduation.... it continues. The NCLEX... a job... you know what I mean? So, at graduation I will be 33 and hubby will be 37.

The doctors I work with keep telling me not to have the baby close the 35. So for me 33 is close and if I wait to have a baby until I get a job and stay there for at least a year, I will be 34!

I do know that this is personal but I also know that many of you are probably in my same situation. So, any pointers you can give me would be great. I am such a mommy (and nurse) at heart and I wan't both things to really work out for me. Thanks everyone!

[JaxiaKiley]

It is a hard balance. After a lot of soul searching, I finally realized that I having children just isn't in the cards for me.

Since you do want children, waiting until after school is the best bet, IMO. Maternity leave is a good thing I hope you find the answers you are looking for.