Student mum to be, student finance, taking a break and juggling study with baby

[WaitingForEgg]

I am due to have my first baby this Christmas (2015). This will be exactly half way through my 5 year Medical degree. So far the university have been very nice, though I suppose they kind of have to be, and I have been given the option of 2 months or 1 year break, I do not have to decide now, I can take the two months and then say I am coming back now/in another 10. There are not many students who are also mums at my uni (none in my year) so am finding it quite hard to get advice/meet others in a similar situation. Key questions I have are
Student finance: I see there is a childcare grant, plus other financing available. How exactly does this work? When I apply for my student finance this year obviously I don't have a child yet to have childcare costs. Do I apply as normal then change it part way through the year? Can this be done?
Workload: how have people found juggling uni work with caring for their baby/child? I am expecting it to be very tough but just wanted to see if anyone had any advice
Break: did everyone take a whole year off? Or did people manage to return taking less time? I have a very supportive DH who is in the fortunate positive of owning his business, so can take full pay mat leave himself. But practically with breast feeding/your health, did you feel you needed a whole year?
Resuming after a break: did you fall back into it quickly or struggle after the time off?
Sorry for the long post, even if you have experience of some of this it would be hugely helpful

Hi,
I have just completed the 2nd year of my foundation degree, my daughter is 3. I did not have much support when deciding to go to uni, my daughter went to nursery (you can apply for the childcare grant at any time although it's good to send the estimated costs off immediately as they are slow!) the childcare grant pays 80% or something like that. You get student loans, a maintenance loan and a parent allowance. They don't add up to much more than a basic minimum wage- so it's been tough. However you mentioned a supportive husband- so should take the weight off a little.
As for the work load itself I managed terribly! I left everything last minute! But that's my personality, nothing to do with my daughter etc. I got it all done eventually, next year I am determined to be organised!!
I haven't had a break so can't really advise, but if I were you I would definitely take the year off to enjoy your newborn!
Sorry if I rambled lol x