Everything

It can be done, provided that you have a great support system in place. I had two (#3 and 4) of my children while in school and working (full time school, part-time working) My kids got to know the campus very well and were exposed to a lot of art, music, and languages they would not have otherwise. One of my daughter's even spent a semester coming to one of my classes with me and managed to absorb quite a bit of information just by listening.

C.,
Congratulations on #2! Remember, a baby is always a good thing.

As for doing it all....I have not been in your situation but wanted to offer you some encouragement. You can do anything you put your mind to! Hang in there and keep your focus. You might have to take some extra time to finish, or reduce your schedule by a few credits, etc. But lots of smart strong women have done what you are about to do!

I was working 40 hours a week, going to school 2 nights a week while I was pregnant, and although I was tired for most of my pregnancy, I stuck with it, and I did NOT take time off after the baby was born, I actually took an extra class during my maternity leave, since I was home all the time, I took 2 online courses and between feedings and general housework, I fit in my classwork.
It can be done, and should be done... improving yourself with school is the most important thing we can do to provide for our children, you should be applauded for your efforts thus far, and hope you continue to strive for your babies future!
Just remember, that we cannot do it all, all the time.... ASK FOR HELP when you need a little break!

Hi, I want to tell you it can be done. It will not be easy. I have a really good friend who worked full time (40 hours a week), had one child, attending nursing school at Baylor and got pregnant in her second semester of nursing school. She survived it all and now has two bachelors and an MSN. You may want to take a semester off right after the baby is born just to get a breather. Feel encouraged!

It all can be done! It is just a matter of planning and being flexible...make a plan but be willing to be flexible cuz the plan may need to be changed!

People do amazing things with their time and energy! I have never had enough energy to do as much as that, even though I try. Instead our family live with smaller means so that I can stay at home more, and will return to school in the fall.
My advice is try to get time to exercise because it usually helps you to get through the day! Good luck, and congratulations on your new baby :)

I had our first my sophomore year of college. She was born in March, right in the middle of the semester. My professors were really great. My husbands family is here so they helped out an enormous amount so I could finish the semester out. I took summer classes that year as well. After that I decided to go to school part time and work full time. It took me 8 years to finish my bachelors degree. I graduated the May before our oldest went to Kindergarten. In those 8 years I got married, had three kids, and worked full-time. It was hard, but I believe worth it. A lot of stress was avoided with the help I was able to receive from friends and family. I accomplished the degree for myself and I do not regret being that busy while they were little. My kids know it is possible if you put your mind to it.

Good Luck
S. G

Congrats on your new little one! I applaud you for going back to school, since education is such an asset - for anyone, not just women! But I will caution you this. I've heard it said: "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." So while you probably could technically do everything: work full-time, go to school, and be a mommy - something is going to have to give. You will have to sacrifice something. Probably the sacrifice will happen some in every area - alertness at work, time for homework, and time for your kids. I think a lot of women are so focused on the "power to women" idea that we forget the sacrifices that must be made. Sure, you could do it all - but is it beneficial? That's what I think you have to ask yourself. Sometimes, especially with kids, we have to give up something we love, at least for a little while.

The first couple years of an infant/toddler's life are the most crucial in developing the right brain (emotional regulation). This is primarily encouraged by the primary caretaker developing a strong attachment with the infant through consistant care. Given this knowledge, I think it would be wise to take a break from school until your little one is out of this critical stage. You can always go to school, but your baby will not always be a baby. My daughter is turning two in June and I am starting back to school to work on my PhD . . . we are both ready now and I would not have missed out on being there for her (both physically and mentally) the last two years.

You can do it! Be sure to ask for help, and be easy on yourself about the small things. Prioritize and simplify! Before I started back to school a friend, who was in school, told her husband "my professor does not care if your socks are folded!"

I started working on a PhD when my daughter was 2, and I was working full time. I now have only 3 classes left! We are setting examples for our children about what women can accomplish.

I am sure it can be done, but at what price?
I was in your situation 3 years ago. I decided that I owe it to my daughter to make some personal sacrifices and took 2 years off from school (couldn't stop working full time because we need the money).
I have to say it was worth it. I have so little time with her as it is and adding an additional 5 hours of class time (not even counting homework) on to my 45 hour work week (including commute) - I would have never seen her when she was little.
I went back to school when she turned 2 (I tried earlier, but couldn't do it) and hopefully soon I will be able to quit my job and do the remainder of my degree full time in school.
It did take a long time for my degree to move along, but I made the most of seeing my baby grow up...
Good luck!

Congrats on #3 to be! and althought I am a single mommie to 1 (plus 2 dogs) only work, no school - I cannot relate exactly. BUT, I would agree with Denise, YOU CAN DO IT!!! It will be tough, but if you have a supportive family, you will survive it. I also agree with taking the semester off right after the baby is born. Good luck!

It can definitely be done! It will just take some determination and a little help from friends and family. Make sure your professors know if it's not visible when you go back to class just in case you deliver early or in the middle of the semester. I also advise taking any classes you can only the first semester after you have your little one. It makes things easier. I waited a while after. I started my undergrad when my oldest was 18 months and my grad this past year when my youngest was 18 months.