I did my dissertation on acupucture for pain relief in labour, and realised it is sometimes harder to write objectively on something you are already very enthusiastic about. Maybe just me...Remember, you are writing a lot about a very narrow subject, I tried to write about EVERYTHING!
Also, on the subject of studying with small children, I think as long as you have an understanding and enthusiastic partner/support network it's fine. I just put of all social activities for 3 years (okay cos you don't have any money anyway!)But am very glad I did, no pain, no gain! I did direct entry as I have never wanted to be a nurse and it worked well for me. I think the downside of being nurse trained is some girls are steeped in the medical side of things, but the upside is that this is a bonus when dealing with the increasingly medicalised side of birth! I am sure I made the right decision as I'm not very comfortable around the medical stuff, not where my interest lies at all!