Msc with baby

[Falconfield]

Has anyone complete a Msc while pregnant and after?

The course would start when I was 8 months pregnant and be just shy of 3 years part time study. I would be going back to work part time after mat leave.

I'm trying to gauge if this is a really stupid idea!

First baby, would be considered geriatric in clinical terms. Average academic wise, did pretty well in my past studying but didn't find it particularly easy. Would be with the OU so some flexibility.

Is this an insane idea?

Completely fine. I started my MA when DS was six weeks old and my LLM when DD was five weeks old. Both full-time and it was fine.

I voted YABU because I couldn’t see myself being able to do that….however it probably would have been ok and manageable when I just had 1 kid and I’m just completely burned out from covid/2 children and life in general that I’ve completely lost my mojo….so don’t pay any attention 🤣

With 1 I was able to organise a conference, do lots of volunteering and lots of travelling. So as long as you keep on top of the important bits then I think it’ll be great!!!

I hope you have a great time doing it!!

I’m halfway through a PhD and have a one year old and a job. It’s fine. It’s bloody hard work but it works.

I’m 42. Started an MSc pt over 3 years when she was 9 months in September 2022. I’m working pt as well, freelance wfh. It’s doable but steep. She had a major sleep regression the week I started. Tbh it’s saved me, I’m finding myself again after 5 years of pregnancy, babies and lockdown! Oh and I passed both the first two modules with distinction, so you don’t have to just scrape through. Helps that I am self employed and manage my own workload though and DH is brilliant with house and children.

Also meant to say, in case it sound like I’m bragging about distinction, you’d be surprised how much easier a masters is now that you have life experience, professional experience and you bachelors under your belt. My BSc would have been so much easier if I’d all I do now!

*known all I do now. Clearly I still can’t type.

I started a LLM when DS was about 4 months. Don't think I could have done anything before that point but it was fine. Easier juggling it with a baby than when I went back to work although still very doable. A lot of it was in lockdown though which made it easier as I was bored shitless at home with a baby all day every day.

1. how much course would you do before the birth and how long could you take off after. You need a few weeks at least if not a couple of month. Don't underestimate the impact of little sleep and hormones on brain power.

2. what's your partner like. Being able to work, study, parent etc has a lot to do with them. If they're supportive and actually do their fair share around the house without being told - crack on. If they are still going to expect you to do everything ... maybe give it a while.

I did my masters with a baby and pregnant and I did PhD with 4 kids, do I am sure you will smash it :-).

I am doing MSc with full time job, 15 month old while doing my startup on the side. Got no extended family to support but it's doable. You can do this!