Nursing school with newborn?

vicholas · May 21, 2015

First of all, Congrats with the upcoming baby.

When I was in nursing school, there were a handful of moms, dads, and women who were pregnant. At the time, I was single, living with my parents and just had to focus on school and a part time job. I can tell you that many, if not all, of the moms and dads made it through nursing school and graduated with me while balancing school, work, their kid(s), and significant others. And i have a lot of respect for them because it takes a lot of work.

I really excited for you to start nursing school and very excited for you to become a dad. Just remember to manage your time wisely and pay attention to your wife and kids. remember that a happy wife means a happy life. haha

good luck

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 21, 2015

A few of my classmates, mothers and fathers, just had newborns this past semester. Yes, it is doable. Obviously, the schooling takes some time away from your family, but they remain focused on the end goal. It is not easy, but it is possible.

augurey · May 21, 2015

I can't really speak from a newborn perspective (yet), but I had a 1 year old when I first started in the fall. I withdrew because of accreditation reasons at the end of February and am applying to a better school for the fall. If I'm accepted, I'll be due about 3 weeks into the program.

I know that having a newborn during school will be a lot more difficult than in the case of a 1 year old, but I think if you find the right balance, it'll work out. It'll be difficult, but it all comes down to finding the right balance of school and family, prioritizing, etc. Also having a good support system will really help as well!

JNcCole15 · May 22, 2015

Totally possible! In my fundementals class I gave birth to my second daughter. This was in the middle of learning skills and having check offs YIKES!! I ended up having a Csection and being back in class doing skills 6 days later. I had a lot of people telling me I might as well drop out now, there's no way I can do this, blah blah blah. I'm not telling you it will be easy, because it will NOT be!! I'm in my last semester now and I can almost say I DID IT!! Just wanted to share my personal story with you for encouragement! I know a lot of other people in my program have little ones and they are doing fine. It takes hard work and dedication plus a lot more!

:up: Good Luck!

augurey · May 22, 2015

Totally possible! In my fundementals class I gave birth to my second daughter. This was in the middle of learning skills and having check offs YIKES!! I ended up having a Csection and being back in class doing skills 6 days later. I had a lot of people telling me I might as well drop out now, there's no way I can do this, blah blah blah. I'm not telling you it will be easy, because it will NOT be!! I'm in my last semester now and I can almost say I DID IT!! Just wanted to share my personal story with you for encouragement! I know a lot of other people in my program have little ones and they are doing fine. It takes hard work and dedication plus a lot more!
Good Luck!

Can I ask how you bounced back so quickly after your c section? I'm trying for a VBAC (especially as it'll hopefully be better bouncing back to get back into class), but I have to be realistic about having a repeat c section. Were you off for the full 6 days and returned to class?

Are your classes during the day? How did you handle child care?

Not trying to take over or derail the thread, but I'm really curious! If I'm accepted, my classes will be during the day, and we have to figure out how we're going to do this until the baby is old enough to go to daycare (unless my husband is laid off by then which is a very good chance).

Daenaria · May 22, 2015

I gave birth to my daughter by cesction. The day I came home from the hospital (4 days after birth) I was doing laundry. It all depends on your body and how you heal. Biggest csection advise I have is get out of bed as soon as you can!

JNcCole15 · May 22, 2015

Honestly, my motivation was everybody who told me I couldn't do it! Sad but true! I also wanted to have a VBAC but things didn't go as planned. My recovery was horrible, I had mastitis and I hemorrhaged (because I didn't take it easy)! Yes, I had a full 6 days off. My husband was my greatest support and took off work so that I had time for lab/practice/class. That particular class was from 9am-1pm and my kids were with my husband during that time. Evey school is different but mine worked with me! I don't have an amazing support system in place for childcare either. My husband would just take off work when I needed him to. If necessary, your child can be placed in childcare. I know that is not ideal for many people at such a young age, but you do what you have to do!

Advice after Csection:

Get up and move ASAP just as Daenaria said

Listen to your body

Ask for help at school and at home

Get motivation from somewhere (because you'll need it)

Abdominal Binders are a must have! They are AMAZING!

If you're doing skills/lab please sit down frequently!

Take your pain meds. My doctor always told me, "if you're in pain, you cannot heal"

Hopefully this helps someone, somewhere. I love sharing my story because I did not have enough positive stories while I was going through this same situation. :)

Whitneygadson · Jun 1, 2015

My baby will be 2 months and my oldest will be 11 once I start nursing school. What type of schedule did you set up for you and your baby so that you can get rest, study, and spend time with your children?

Seattlemamalama · Jun 5, 2015

Daddy I wouldn't worry, especially since you won't be the one physically pushing the baby out lol. I have a two year old, a one year old, and I'll be due with baby #3 at the end of November. I'll have 3 under 3 the first quarter. I just applied to a fall start program. I think it's doable. I am willing to fight through all the blood and tears. The first delivery is a bit difficult, not to scare you, and healing takes a bit longer. With my second it was a breeze. I am hoping that the third will be the same. After a lady partsl delivery you bounce back pretty quick. If I give birth on a Friday I'll be fine by Monday. I developed mastitis with my second and will be prone to develope it again with the next one, I'll be definitely paying attention to kill that beast with antibiotics at the first sign of symptoms.

Baby wise, don't let people stress you out! Every labor and baby is different. Newborns are pretty easy since they sleep, eat, and poop. It's difficult for mommy when she has other responsibilities that pull her in many directions and has little time to heal and recoup (ie, other kids who demand attention) Most Daddies only get a week or two paternity leave and then go back to work 8+ hours a day, so mommies are usually left to fend for themselves. The first three months I would stress to be more attentive to your wife and help her emotionally (those hormones after suck) and praise her for the work she does.

I think the hardest thing might be wondering if your missing out on all the fun at home.

Personally with one baby you can do anything like with no baby. But you will only realize this once you have the next one lol. Once you have 2 there is a bit more to juggle... And once you have three.. Well... Lets hope for the best...