I know there's no "ideal" time to have a child, but I'm hoping to get some input from any moms out there who might have some ideas about the timing of having my first baby. I'm going on 32 and really want to have children, but I am just beginning to take my prerequisites to get into nursing school. I would love to hear anyones input/experience when it comes to being an "older" first time mom and new nurse.
There's just no way around it, the very minimum time it would take my to finish and become an RN is a bit over 3 years. My husband and I could wait, but I would be 35 years old (really more like 36 because I would have to work for at least a year before thinking about taking maternity leave) trying to have my first baby and I'm thinking that by then maybe I will have missed the boat and not be able to get pregnant (basing this idea off of the fact that I had a miscarriage at 18 and have always doubted my fertility since then).
Or I could do my prereq's, take a year off before applying to nursing schools, and have a baby at 33/34 in between prereqs and nursing school.
Or I could have a baby during nursing school, but from everything I've heard, that would probably be a nightmare and why would I do that to myself if I can just go ahead and keep my IUD in?
On the one hand, I am really excited about getting into nursing as soon as possible, but on the other hand I hear my ovaries ticking and wonder if I could end up missing any chance I had to be a mom by putting off starting a family until it's too late.
Thank you! I think I just need to wrap my head around it. I know people go through much worse things and persevere. My mom had cancer and my aunt is going through cancer for the third time and when I think of them, I know I shouldn't complain because things could always be worse!
Hello! I'm about to graduate in July and I have some experience in this department. I have 5 kiddos now. Prior to the program I had 3. I found out I was pregnant weeks before it started and 9 months later gave birth to my son. It was tough but manageable. A few months after (5 to be exact) I found out we were pregnant again. I just gave birth to our daughter 5 weeks ago. Let me tell you- IT HAS BEEN SO INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT. But with that said, worth it. My program has a very strict attendance and academic policy. I literally gave birth on Friday and went back on a Monday. It was so hard, but again, doable. It's all about how bad you want it. I cry, nap and study all at once. Unless an act of God occurs I intend on walking across the stage in July. You can do it if you want it. However I will say my two youngest have missed out. It's not forever, but I won't get the time back. It's a hard decision. Wishing you the best!
This is a difficult question and I wish that I also knew the answer .
If you are questioning your fertility , that is your priority - as you might have difficulty conceiving and also if you have to do fertility treatments you might be high risk for miscarriage, etc . That's a lot of appointments, missed days, etc .
I am wondering the same thing ,but after thinking about all the appointments and stuff maybe school will be easier with a newborn ?? I'm not sure ,but I have 3 semesters of nursing school and might also have to do fertility treatments so I'm not sure the best answer ..
AngelKissed857, BSN, RN
436 Posts
Sending you love and good wishes. I believe a solution will be found and that children and nursing are in your future.