Newborn whilst at Uni.

[canor10]

Hello all!
I am having a very big debate in my life at the moment and I just want to get some honest opinions about what you would do in my situation, or if anyone has been in my situation. Any nasty or judgemental comments will be ignored, we do what we think is best for our children. I am trying to decide whether to take a gap year after having the baby (intercalate) or continue my studies in September.

About me:

• Due 13th Aug. With a baby girl.
• Currently a 2nd Year student at Uni. (1 Year left)
• On a Primary Ed. Course.
• Renting a house w/ my partner.

My course will be 4 days a week (Not all full days), up until Christmas, then I will be on professional practice in a school 5 days a week for a 10 week block before finishing in May. Graduation in July.

I have attached a list of what I think the pros and cons are for these two options. Please tell me your opinions or what you would do?

Do it. It will be hard and you will miss certain things but do it for your future.

I waited and started uni when my DD was 3, shes now 6 and i struggle with her as she feels like im abandoning her when im away.

If this had started even 1 year earlier, id be nearly done now. DO IT

I knew you’d be a teacher because of attaching a pro con list I think I’d take a year. My sister went back to work (as a teacher) after 16 weeks and she has often spoken about how much she regretted it.

I started my PGDE when my DD was 4 months old, she's 3 now. Really hard going at the time but looking back I think it would be much harder doing it at the age she is now. Yeah I missed out on certain things but the long term gains have outweighed it and now I get to spend my days off and long summer holidays with her ( when she's at a stage where she appreciates having me about).

I went to uni when my dd was 9 months old it was tough but doable. I think I would take a year however have you spoken to university perhaps you could do some modules/part time to make it easier for you? Good luck on whatever you decide x

I’d do it as long as you’ve got a good support system in place but it will be difficult and you might regret not spending the time out

To add to your list;
(Cons)

• sleep deprivation is extreme at times
• first 6-8 weeks are difficult with hormones and establishing breast feeding (you maybe lucky but most struggle those first few weeks)
• pumping is hard work! Unless you’re extremely dedicated you will end up changing to formula fairly quickly to ensure you get sleep (google exclusive pumping) and baby might refuse to latch once used to bottles

Congratulations on your pregnancy

I would take a year. My friend went back to college when her dd was only about 6 weeks. She has paid a high price since as her dd has always struggled with insecurity etc. Sounds harsh but they never really bonded properly.
Teaching practice is a killer and you will be in a better place the following year.
Or could you do the theory bit and then postpone the practice until the following year.
Deferring sound difficult but that year will fly.

Who will have the baby if you do go back? They will only be a few weeks old. Personally I'd take a year out.

Hi I’m currently on maternity leave from uni my dd is 3 months old and I’d planned to go back when she was 6 months. I have one year of my course left and I thought I’d be able to suck it up in favour of my career but I’m currently in contact with uni to see if I can postpone and return 4 months later. I feel like im missing out by going back so soon. I honestly didn’t think I’d feel like this when I was pregnant but the thought of going back in just 3 months time is breaking my heart x

Up until recently, I was adamant on intercalating for the year. It’s more the money aspect that is making me want to return.
The house we’re renting has issues like damp and the landlord isn’t amazing, so it’s frustrating living here for longer, especially with a baby, when as soon as I am on a teacher salary we could afford a good mortgage.
If I did intercalate, I would quit my part-time job in order to finish my third year but i’m scared in case we can’t save up enough money for me to do that and I would have to balance work, a 1 year old, and a full time uni. Course. At least if I returned in September, I would be receiving my Maternity pay.

Take the year. Your baby will only be a few weeks when you have to go back. It will be too hard and horrible and exhausting and you won’t be able to do your best at uni. The grade you get can affect your life for years after.

I'd take a year off. Tiny babies really do benefit from being with primary carer if possible. Unless your dp is going to be primary carer and not work.
It's not a long time to wait in the big scheme of things and you and your dc will both find it easier.

Defer for a year! You can always go back to education. I have heard of student mums going back after 5 years! X

Take a year out. You will never get that time back. I did my undergrad when my son was 2 and I wish I had done it later and I am now on gap leave waiting for the arrival of my daughter in July. No way am I going back in September! I want to make the most of her being a newborn. Education and work are always going to be there to fall back on when you are ready. Babies aren’t.

Definitely take the year out. You'll be a better teacher for it eventually.

Hey! Same situation (Kinda.) I was due on the 22rd June. I've just had my little one on the 23rd, a little girl. I suspended my third year when I found out I was pregnant in September and will be going back this September to finish my final year. It is difficult but totally possible.
My renting accommodation isn't perfect but better than the situation you're in. I would try and shop around for a better place OR talk to your council about the issues with your landlord. He should be fixing those problems.
As long as your partner is supportive, you'll be fine! Also, student finance for parents is really good. A lot more money (will still have to budget a lot) also, with UC you can apply for the maternity grant (£500) and surestart vouchers for food etc..
Try and make sure the University is playing ball, they are suppose to make this as easy as they possibly can for you.
It will be a challenge for the both of us but will be totally worth it!