Starting a college course - when would be best?

[Snowflake777]

I'm currently working and studying part time. My studies are via distance learning and all done from home. I'm quitting my job to be a SAHM for a year or two, but I want to continue studying. My current school year is finishing on my due date. I can choose to take my next course starting in May, a month before my due date (meaning I'll be starting & finishing two courses simultaneously), or in November, when baby will be about 5 months old. It's 30 credits over 9 months, so very low commitment - roughly 10 hours per week of study.

I realise that 10 hours per week is totally doable and a LOT less than many new mothers take on, but I'm tempted to put it off until November seeing as I'm lucky enough to have the choice. When DD1 was born, I was pretty much in a daze for the first 3 months, and didn't want to do anything even vaguely intellectual. I'm also a little nervous about the "what ifs?" - what if DD2 shows up 3 weeks early while I'm trying to finish my final assignment and starting a new course? What if DD2 ends up being high needs, or has health problems? Do I really want to be dealing with that along with study?

Then again, a newborn sleeps a lot more than an older baby, so it may actually be easier for me to get stuff done while she's teeny tiny.

What do you guys think? I'm I being a total lazy ass here, or should I just relax and enjoy 5 months of not having to worry about anything except being a mother?

[JudiAU]

I would really really wait if I was you. You have no idea what the birth will be like or what the new baby's temperament will be or how LO will react.. Why force yourself in a difficult position?

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by JudiAU 

I would really really wait if I was you. You have no idea what the birth will be like or what the new baby's temperament will be or how LO will react.. Why force yourself in a difficult position?

[arieltron]

I waited a semester before I went back to school. My DD was 5 months old when I started school again. I'm so glad I waited. at least with DD a little bit older I can catch snippets of studying time. As a newborn, bleh, I didn't have a moment to myself. 

[Snowflake777]

Thanks for the input, guys. After typing it out I realised I'd pretty much answered my own question, though I wanted to put it out there anyway.

10 hours per week isn't much, but I don't want to have to think about anything else during those first few months, especially given that I have no idea what this baby's temperament/sleeping patterns will be like.