Retraining at uni with a baby

[Uniwithababy]

I'm 27 and my baby will have just had her first birthday by the time I start a degree in September 2024. I want to be a Speech and Language Therapist and will do an accelerated degree (I already have a BA Hons).

Does anyone have any experience with retraining at university with a baby? I'm very dedicated to studying and have worked in high pressured jobs. Would appreciate some advice and tips!

I think this is one of those things where, the stronger the support system, the more chances you have of succeeding. I would advise you to rely on your surroundings and accept help (anyone you trust your baby with).
Having a nice routine can ease your way into uni as well. For example, being there for your baby's morning routine or evening routine consistently will help.
Your baby will adapt faster than you think and know when to expect you to come home.
Studying while baby naps and being there for them when they're awake will also help.
My sister did her master's degree when her baby was 1 and she would make sure to pack all the essentials for the day in a diaper bag and drop her off at my mom's house for the day 4 days a week.
the baby struggled at first but quickly adjusted and now, around 17 years later, she is proud to think of what her momma pulled off!
Good luck with your studies!
For more baby-related tips please visit my blog site
www.nurturingnewbies.com

What's your childcare plan?

Are there any particular aspects that you'd like advice about?

@NurturingNewbies thanks for sharing your sister's experience and so lovely your niece is proud of her mum! My parents work so won't be able to provide full time childcare.

@quarrelmerchant it'll have to be nursery as well as family switching their working shifts. DP will submit a flexible working request so baby doesn't have to be in nursery everyday. She'll be 13-14 months old so I am a bit worried about her in nursery. I'm wondering about financial support as a student who is also a mum.

Have you checked this:

https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant

How often is the course? I'm studying a degree through my work (work full time and uni one day a week) and have a 1 year old. The full time students (not sponsored through a workplace) only go in twice a week. Depends how intense the course you've chosen is. Good luck!

Will you be working too?

I returned to study (PG dip) 2023 when my baby was nearly 10m old (she is still BF). Currently on the course.. have completed a presentation, several referenced reflections (for portfolio), competency document, multiple online training, unseen exam and 1x assignment submitted by 04/01/24. So far. It's about to get busy; this was a slow intro apparently.
2 sets of grandparents have baby and nursery x2 sessions per week; happy baby.
I have two older children and a supportive partner (he works full time). Everyone in my family deserves some of my time too.

It is doable, but some things definitely have to give. You need to be disciplined, organised, motivated and good at prioritising. Including prioritising 'me' time. Hard going, but I am enjoying it.
Hope this helps

@Arthurnewyorkcity it's a very intense course with the NHS so I'll probably be in uni or on placement every weekday. And thank you!

@HVPRN I won't be able to work as the course sounds very intensive, but I'm used to studying and working in stressful environments (although having a toddler will be an added stress). I'm going to look into NHS grants. Will need to juggle childcare as DP can request flexible working. She will need to be in nursery at least a couple of days a week though. I'm worried about putting a just turned one year old into nursery.