Would love an update and to hear how you got on

Just doing a bit of a search because I’m heading back to work and my little one is about to turn 1 soon..great to read some positive comments around daycare as I’ve been a bit anxious! Some great advice on this

Im not studying myself but there is a support Facebook oage called mums who study. Alot of help on there.

You do what works for you and your family. And don’t forget your studying to better yourself and secure your families future. So you leave that mum guilt at the door!

My situation is not quite the same, but I decided to go back to full time study when my twins were 1 year, because I know I deserve a great career. I put them in daycare for 3 days a week, and yes the mum guilt can be massive. I will admit it’s absolutely difficult to study with a baby and involves a lot of sleepless nights up studying. I think you can do, but I would recommend doing part-time or even 1 subject!

2.5 months wasn’t the problem time for study for me (studying at home with just 1 evening having to go to a class). I avoided daycare despite looking into it. The babies slept (yes it was twins) quite a lot and were mostly in sync so that meant blocks of time for ‘me’. You had to be organized but there was zero travel time. Zero cost. Zero guilt because they woke to me. Zero prep time because no one had to leave the house, express milk, prepare daybag etc. However, grades weren’t the best because of general new born fatigue (no full night sleep for me). I would have probably been better to have delayed study until I was sleeping more. Time was more fragmented as they got older and needed less sleep but grade went up as my own sleep did. So I think that is important, perhaps the most important thing. You could pay for daycare etc. but still be so exhausted you don’t study well. Just something to think about. I’m sure you are doing the best you can in your circumstances. So don’t be hard on yourself.

Deciding to head back to work or study after having a baby is so hard. With my youngest I was back at work when she was 16 weeks – due to the maternity leave being up at that time. It was heartbreaking, but I had no choice. I struggled greatly. But, my youngest is now 6 and although we have had a few ups and downs over the years, I’m glad I managed to get back into the workforce and bring in an income. It’s always going to be difficult, no matter what age your baby is – but if you have some good support, or if you can afford to have your baby in childcare, its worth giving it a go.

I used to work in a related area of government policy, and did a lot of research on whether child care was bad for really little kids: and the answer is, no. If it’s good quality and not excessively long hours, they’ll be fine.

I had my kids a year apart and still managed my study-time by having a routine. Maybe it’s too early at 2.5 months old to have a routine yet. I did study when they went down for a sleep in the morning around 9:30-11am. I found myself waking at 5am and got more done then as babies were all awake at 7 and it was full on for the next couple of hours. Good luck with your studies!

I agree with moon mum; study when the kids are in bed, have your partner (or a family member) looking after your little one for some time slots and 1 or 2 days at daycare could help you and won’t harm your baby

Im currently studying and I dont have one quite that small but when I started I had a 2,3 and 5 year old. I would mostly just study when they were in bed or id ask my partner for an hour or two on a weekend. Now my middle girl is in kindy 5 days a fortnight and I put my youngest in daycare twice a week to study through the day but I could still probably get a lot done once they go to bed (Im ahead in my course so haven’t rushed through). I think it totally depends on what you are studying, your support network and how you prefer to study to get the best answer for your circumstances. You will figure it out but good luck mumma! You will find a way and you will rock it out!

Could you study when your Bub is sleeping?
What is your little one’s current routine?

Cant help you with advice . Good luck