Nursing school vs. Baby?

Sour Lemon · May 4, 2018

Hello, looking to get some insight from those of you who have completed nursing school or have been/are in a similar situation. I Just completed all of my pre-requisite courses for my nursing program and will be applying for the upcoming spring 2019 program. However, my husband and I have been married for two years and would like to start a family. If I were to get pregnant now I would sit out one semester of the program and start in August 2019. If not, I would have to wait until I'm 28 years old to have our first baby. My concern is do I have one now while I'm young and risk the stresses of having an infant while in nursing school (his mother does not work, she would babysit) or should we hold off on starting a family until I am finished and have been working for a year? Thanks in advance!

I'm very pro-baby for those who want them and can afford them. Although you are young, you'll be considered reproductively "old" by age 35. So, how many babies do you want and how important are they to you? Statistically, your odds of a quick conception go down steadily with age.

People always discuss having kids as if they have complete control. "I'll get pregnant on Tuesday and have the baby between semesters." In reality, babies don't always come when we decide that they should. Some people try for years before they succeed- even with no known fertility issues. Other never succeed, at all.

There is no "good" time to have a baby. Life is always very busy in one way or another. It sounds like you'd have good support, though. Think about what's most important to you and act accordingly.

thatgirl2478 · May 4, 2018

28 is not 'old' to have a baby. I'm entering nursing school in August as a 40 yr old with 2 kids (7&3), and *I'm* worried about how it's all going to pan out. PERSONALLY, I would wait until after school and however long you need to wait to qualify for Maternity Leave/FMLA (usually a year). But that's just me.

And, as was stated before, getting pregnant doesn't always happen exactly when you want it to!

Piper98, ASN, RN · May 5, 2018

28 is not 'old' to have a baby. I'm entering nursing school in August as a 40 yr old with 2 kids (7&3), and *I'm* worried about how it's all going to pan out. PERSONALLY, I would wait until after school and however long you need to wait to qualify for Maternity Leave/FMLA (usually a year). But that's just me.
And, as was stated before, getting pregnant doesn't always happen exactly when you want it to!

I have to agree. Obviously, no one can truly answer this for you; it is a personal decision between you and your hubby. With that said, I had my first when I was 28, my sister in law just had her first at 31. I feel like that is more commonplace nowadays than to have kids early in your 20s, but some of that depends on where you live. I have 3 kids, I am 42, and just starting prenursing. I do have a bachelors degree, which took care of most of my adn prereqs. I just know I feel better about starting school now that my kids are older. I know amazing women do it, but cannot imagine having babies/toddlers and balancing that stage of motherhood with school.

Claralee · May 5, 2018

While it's true that you have no idea how long it might take you to get pregnant you are still v young and should have years of fertility ahead of you.

I'm finishing my pre-requisites at 44 with 4 kids, the youngest of which is 11months. It's tough but not impossible, although I have no idea yet how much tougher nursing school will be. It's great you will have help but your life would probably be easier if you waited. Good luck with your decision.

Mavournine · May 5, 2018

Hello, looking to get some insight from those of you who have completed nursing school or have been/are in a similar situation. I Just completed all of my pre-requisite courses for my nursing program and will be applying for the upcoming spring 2019 program. However, my husband and I have been married for two years and would like to start a family. If I were to get pregnant now I would sit out one semester of the program and start in August 2019. If not, I would have to wait until I'm 28 years old to have our first baby. My concern is do I have one now while I'm young and risk the stresses of having an infant while in nursing school (his mother does not work, she would babysit) or should we hold off on starting a family until I am finished and have been working for a year? Thanks in advance!

So, as a 40 year old woman, who works full time as a paramedic, and am currently 7 months pregnant, I say go for both. I have a two year old at home, am due at the beginning of August, and will start nursing school at the end of August, while still working full time as well. Putting it off for me was not a good choice. I have a BS and then ended up taking a bunch of other courses early in my 30's. I have all pre reqs and my nursing program will take 18 months to complete. Yes, it most definitely is going to be full of difficult moments and we will be giving up a lot. But, for my family, if I don't do it now, I can't say that I will ever go forward with my education again. I want a better work schedule. I will be taking a pay cut going in to nursing, but ultimately the time spent with my family over the years will make up for it. I suppose you need to weigh your options.