In School, Pregnant and feeling S.C.R.E.W.E.D.

[rsummer]

So here is the deal... I have an 18 month old bundle of joy, and in a normal world, I would be ecstatic to welcome another buddy to the bunch.  And on some level I am quite pleased to be pregnant again, but then reality sets in... I am about 1/2 way through CRNA school.  School is demanding.  All encompassing might be a good way to describe it.  And ORs are one giant teratogenic risk, especially as a student because I don't control my own practice habits yet. So, in addition to feelings of splendor, I am also bogged down with feelings of dread.  As my husband said, a lot of people are going to be "unimpressed" with me... Additionally, clinicals are like one big job interview and I have some strange (and highly irrational fear) that no one will ever hire me because most employers don't really like accommodating maternity leave (right or not (and its not)). So anyone have a baby when they were spending 12 hours a day at the hospital?  How did you let your director know? When did you let your director know? How long were you off for?  Were you able to pump?

Thanks.

[Turquesa]

Well....see if this piece helps:  http://thefeministbreeder.com/did-you-know-pregnant-students-have-rights-neither-did-i/

Basically, if your school receives any federal funding, it is legally required to accommodate pregnant students.

Melanie told me that, according to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act, my professor was required by law to give me time off to have my baby, and was required to give me the same chance to earn my A as any other student in the class. This law, enacted way back in 1973, specifically prevents the same type of forced withdrawal that I was experiencing.

I don't know what such accommodations would look like in your program, but you may even contact some of the lawyers referenced in this blog piece to see how to avoid discrimination.  Good luck! 

[rsummer]

Thanks a lot Turquesa!  That is awesome and empowering information!

[Turquesa]

Happy to help!    I hope that you and your professors can work out a reasonable solution.

[lunarlady]

Well, my cousin just got her nursing license and is 8 months pregnant. she has a job lined up but it will not start until after her "maternity leave" which is in quotes because she will not actually be on leave from anything, nor will she be receiving pay or benefits from her new employer. So yes, she did her clinicals while peggers, and she said most were very accommodating about hazards. Also, being obviously expecting does not seem to have affected her ability to get a job. Good luck.

[rosadesal]

yeah. this. i was going to post it here as well. maybe the links (http://www.nwlc.org/resource/pregnant-and-parenting-students-rights-faqs-college-and-graduate-students) could be sticky noted or something for reference at the top of this forum.

Originally Posted by Turquesa 

Well....see if this piece helps:  http://thefeministbreeder.com/did-you-know-pregnant-students-have-rights-neither-did-i/

Basically, if your school receives any federal funding, it is legally required to accommodate pregnant students.

I don't know what such accommodations would look like in your program, but you may even contact some of the lawyers referenced in this blog piece to see how to avoid discrimination.  Good luck! 

[Luvsfallin]

Hello, I am wondering how it turned out for you, rsummer?? I am applying for CRNA school and trying to think of the logistics of family planning while in the program (I don't plan on trying to get pregnant while in the program). When I start the program my son will be 19 months. How was it for you to go through the program with a little one? I did want to have my second baby closer in age to the first one but I know it would not be good to get pregnant while in school. Any advice or tips from rsummer or others in a CRNA program?
Thanks!!