I really, really want a baby, but this isn't "the right time."

I don't know exactly how old you are, but maybe still relatively young if you're both still studying. I always wanted to become a young mother too. But that didn't happen. And honestly, I'm quite glad I experienced a bit more life before having kids. I think you have to be very aware that when you decide to have a child, you can offer them a stable foundation. Do you have a stable relationship? Housing? Can you manage a family on a student budget and maybe half a salary? The reason I'm asking this is... a child doesn't choose to end up in a situation where the only thought is "I want a baby."

I became a mother and that was already with a stillborn baby at 27. I felt that was quite late given my strong desire for children. Now I'm actually "glad" about it, because at 22 (for example), I wasn't really as mature as I thought I was. But you only realize that later on.

But if you're both fully committed to going for it and can make everything work, then of course you should do it.

I think no one can really give you an answer on that, unfortunately. It's your choice and your situation.

Some women can raise a child while studying and working just fine. Others find it more difficult. I think it has to do with your own energy levels, the help you get from others, and what you want for your child.

25 is really not old at all! You need to think for yourself whether you can handle everything and if it's worth it. Studying with kids will be a challenge anyway. But only you can figure out how much impact it will have on your life.

Good luck with your decision.

When I got pregnant, we had just returned from a long trip where we had both quit our jobs, and we were still living in a slightly too small rental in a not-so-great neighborhood. But we felt ready and didn't want to wait until all the practical stuff was sorted out. My husband immediately got a new job, we redecorated our home so the baby would have her own room, and in the living room, we set up a living area and a sleeping area for ourselves. I stayed home as a stay-at-home mom because that's what I'd always wanted. Now, two years later, it all worked out perfectly! We have a beautiful daughter who's a year and a half old, and on September 1st, we're getting the keys to our new (purchase) house. A second child is more than welcome; unfortunately, I just had a miscarriage of twins. But we're looking forward to the future with confidence.

So, follow your heart. There's never a perfect moment, and you know best when you feel ready emotionally! The practical stuff will follow.

So beautifully put, Linda! But it's important to remember that it will have a big impact on your free time and energy. Especially if you're breastfeeding, they'll want to feed every three hours in those first few weeks, even during the night. And then I'm glad I'm on leave when the alarm goes off in the morning!

If you have one little one later on, it's still manageable, but do you want a big family? Then you'll realize you don't want to leave the little ones too far apart in age. And if you have two, studying and working will become really tough! Maybe focus on your studies for now, enjoy being together, and then have a little one? Your partner can surely support you through this!

How's your safety net? If your partner is abroad, how will you manage alone? Can someone support you during that period?
You say you're studying to be a lawyer. So you're working as a trainee lawyer? Do you already have an idea of how your employer will react to this? Can you get leave from your professional training?
Once the baby is here, would one of you want to work less, and if so, is that possible in this situation?

There's never really the right moment, and I understand your desire to get pregnant. I felt that way too when I was 25. In the end, I gave birth to our first child just before turning 29. The situation wasn't perfect either, but I'm glad we waited.