starting nursing school with a baby

Julie Reyes, DNP, RN · Nov 21, 2014

Will you be just starting college and getting your basics out of the way, or are you starting nursing school? You can always take 1 class at a time, and see how it goes. You can add more classes if 3 hours is not enough. I know of some people who had babies in nursing school, and although they seemed to do ok, i am sure they had to sacrifice somewhere. You might have a pretty decent sleep/wake schedule with your baby by January, so it might not be bad for you.

I took all of my classes online, so I was able to work around my kids schedules - but my kids were already older.

I will be interested to know what you decide to do and how it goes! Keep us posted!

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Nov 21, 2014

I don't have any kids and I'm not pregnant but the best thing to do right now is take a small course load of online classes, if possible.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Nov 21, 2014

Do you have any support? Do you have a husband or boyfriend along with family that will be willing to help out? It's going to be a little difficult at first. Babies can take as long as 6mos-1year to sleep through the night. Some will do so earlier, some will do so later. I about lost my mind when my boy wouldn't sleep anywhere but in his swing or on my chest for the first 4 months of his life. I never even saw my bed again until he was about 4.5 months old. Babies are life changers but that is what makes them so great and we moms will go to the ends of the earth just to get them what they need. I would start small with classes to see what you can handle and to get back into the swing of things. Once she is a little older add more to your schedule.

Nurse2BeCam, ADN · Nov 21, 2014

Hey! We're in the same boat :) our babies are 4 days apart from each other. I'm starting my pre reqs in May instead of January (my original plan). I'm starting back taking only 2 classes though because I personally have a lot to juggle at home. I wish you the best!!

Amanda Pantz · Nov 21, 2014

Hi! I had my baby September 1st and was in school on September 3rd. I'm not taking any nursing classes right now, just a 5 credit bio for my bachelors (!) and 12 other credits. I only have one in-school class though, and that helps immensely. I'm planning on doing part-time this spring (nursing pre-reqs), and then full-time again, the actual nursing program, next fall.

You can do it - but it definitely helps if you have help at home. It's a lot of work, but where there's a will, there's a way. I feel having a family makes me more dedicated. Plus - I spent a lot of wasted time "going out" on evenings and weekends when I was younger that I use for studying now. Good luc!