How much time does this baby stuff take up?!!

[Sal C]

Now this is probably a ridiculous question and I'm guessing I know what the answers to this will be!

I have quite a busy job - I plan to take 6 months maternity leave but I am scheduled to sit an exam when bubba is 5 months old (first part) and 9 months (final part). I have started preparing revision notes now somewhat earlier than I normally would o make life easier at the time.

I have warned 'dad' that he will have to pull his weight!!!

I was just curious to know whether peoples reaction to this is that I am completely barmy or whether things will be OK!

I have also just finished an OU qualification and am sorely tempted to take another one on but this would run over the same period - would I be absolutely barking to take it on?!! I'm hoping there are some big achievers out there who'll say anything is possible!!! I obviously do want to spend time with my new baby and I can't wait to have him/her but I want to acheive so much other stuff too!

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Sammystar]

Firstly Sal, let me do this......

You are a brave lady!!!

You do right to start your exam preparation now, because if you're anything like me, once the bubba arrives you will be too tired to do anything else!!!!

However, if you are determined (and it seems to me that you are!) then why not? As long as your OH takes a VERY active role in supporting you, then anything's possible.
You have to get the balance right though. Just remember that babies are only babies for SUCH a short space of time, and you don't want to be taking on too much and missing any of the important stuff!
Perhaps you could put the second OU course off for a couple of years?? The OU course won't go away, but the moments with your baby are over so quickly, but treasured for a lifetime........don't miss out!

 

[cloud9]

well Sal it takes planning and working through tiredness.

I don't think you are mad continuing your exams but taking on another course yes.Like Sammy says you don't want to miss it all studying but doesn't mean you shouldn't have anytime for yourself either.

good luck with the exams

 

[topbird]

remember your brain is likely to turn to mush too.....

my sister is one of the most intelligent people I know, has a PHD in a subject that I cannot even pronounce, not to mention a whole list of other qualifications and she really struggled after she had a baby to manage basic stuff when she went back to work, ended up taking a demotion as she could no longer handle the stress of her previous job. She underestimated just how strong the maternal bond would be and now only works 3 days a week and earns less than me, she has never been happier!

 

[jenni32]

I'd continue with what you've started, but wouldn't commit to anything extra. I can honestly say nothing prepared me for the sheer amount of hard work having a baby involves It takes up 90% of oyur time, and I agree that your brain does suffer a bit following birth. I have lots of trouble remembering the names of simple everyday objects,( it was rice krispies this morning! ) and I have a pretty demanding job which I have to go back to.

 

[trixipaws]

new babies take up ALL of ur time! its easier if u hav a partner or someone to help u out. i'v got a newfound respect for single parents since i had my baby, coz i dont kno how i'd cope without my boyf!

 

[Squiglet]

I did my uni entrance exams on the 11th of August 1999, my daughter was due on the 7th of Aug. 1999. The professor did nothing but ask if I was ok all the way through the exam, it was very funny.. After the birth when my daughter was 6 weeks old, I went back to uni and I was still breastfeeding.

Looking after a baby that small and doing coursework, revision, exams is hard work, but very rewarding. My ex wasn't very helpful at the time, so for the most part it was just my daughter and I, with me doing all the work.

There was a lot of midnight oil burnt which you will be used to but being a mum, I feel, actually makes you a better student. I was more motivated to work (I was working for my baby's sake as well as mine). After preparing the miltary mission of going to the shops with a newborn, you become extremely adept at organising your time/work at uni.

I finished my degree with a 2:1 and it wasn't so much having a baby that ate up all my time, it was the relationship problems with my violent ex and a flare of my Crohns that really put a dampener on my studies.

So if you want to go for it, I would say go for it, especially if you have the back up of a supportive and loving partner that will help you with the work load. Pace yourself with your commitments, finish one thing first then do another, just because you want to have time to spend with your little bubba and partner too. But I did my degree with no help and a newborn, so its entirely possible.

I wouldn't do it again mind you, but mainly because I think I have gotton lazy in my old age hehehehehe

 

[Joy and Ben]

On tuesday I handed in my dissertation for my masters degree. Its been hard work to get it done with a newborn but i was determind to do it and we worked around it. Hubby looked after ben when he got home from work so I could have a couple of hours study and whenever ben slept in the day i tried to do a bit. Some days I wasn't able to get any done cos Ben needed me or was too grumpy. But then another day, he was content to lie beside me and watch me type!!!

 

[kellysomer]

I disagree and think its perfectly feasable when isla was born i was planning my wedding, working part time and doing all the housework!! When they are tiny theyre easy sleep, poo and feed. During the sleeping you get your stuff done!

I guaruntee youll sleep well at night tho.

Go for it hun!

 

[libs]

I think that if you're already in the middle of something like a degree then if you're v organised it is possible to finish it. But if you don't have to then don't. have the time with your baby, it goes waaaayyy too quickly

 

[paradysso]

when alana was young all she did was sleep, i had loads of spare time, so i would also say go for it,

i run my own business now, so when i go on maternity leave i will take a step back from the front line and other people will do the work,

but i will still be managing the running of the business and looking after baby. whilst still doing payroll, account, customer service etc