Having baby #2 in the middle of masters-prep program - advice/experience?

[youngspiritmom]

Hey ladies,

I have a BA and want to go into a field for my Masters that I don't have prerequisites for.

There is a 4 semester (summer, fall, spring, summer) online program that fulfills these prereqs so that you can then apply for the Masters. It starts one summer and goes through the next, with two classes (6 credits) each semester. The program is entirely ONLINE.

I want to start the prereq program this coming summer. My son will be a little over 2. The problem is, we want to conceive our next baby and have the baby be due between March and May. This would be right in the middle of the prereq classes/program.

Am I crazy to take on a new degree program during my second pregnancy? Is transitioning to baby #2 and trying to keep up with these classes even feasible???

Has anyone done this?

[LittleGriff]

If you are not working and are able to get some childcare, I would say yes. If you are working, no.

I started a full-time, intensive Masters program when my son was 10wks. I inadvertantently ended up conceiving mid-way through the 2 year program and giving birth during my last quarter. I had friends who gave birth to first children during the program. There are plenty of challenges and you never know what sort of baby you will have. But I don't think this is crazy. If it is, you'll just have to find plan B then! : ) I wouldn't avoid the program for this reason alone. Just go into it knowing that life is unpredictable and you will do your best. I don't know what the coursework is like but I found carrying a courseload with a newborn and a 20 month old to be manageable. I had childcare though. Would have been pretty tough otherwise.

[studentmomma]

I definitely think it's do-able if you have proper support in place. As LittleGriff said - not working, have childcare - go for it.

I am currently in an online masters program. I had DC#2 on the night that my second semester started - I let my professor know I would not be "in" class. If your online program is flexible - mine is fairly - you shouldn't have be completely overwhelmed. There were lots of nights when I was "in" class nursing DC#2 the whole time - so if you have someone to watch DC#1 while you sit and nurse DC#2 while in class or reading or whatever that will work to your advantage for sure. I was taking 6 credits (grad level) the semester DC#2 was born and was stressed part of the time, sure, but with help it was manageable.

I say go for it - I love learning and having something "grown up" to do, but still getting to stay home with the babies. (Big advantage of online programs.)

[youngspiritmom]

Thanks for the support. It's nice to know its doable, and that other moms are doing it. I am not working, and I have a few different child care options, so hopefully I'm all set to start...

Gotta love the internet -- online degree programs, mothering.com, answers to unending questions.

Must be God's gift to women! LOL