studying during pregnancy and after birth... experiences?

You'll notice it yourself. It's not always easy, so make sure to build up reserves and do as much as possible in advance when you can, so you have something to fall back on if there are a few nights in a row that don't go well or if the little one is sick and you're not at 100% anymore. I'm pregnant for the second time myself, have a 2.5-year-old daughter, and we're fully renovating (every Friday evening, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday). We're also very busy (luckily my parents can help with childcare). Meanwhile, I have a full-time job (50 hours a week + travel) + doing housework, cooking, laundry, and dishes, and I've just started my hobby again to make some time for myself. I play music.

So it's very busy, but the more you do, the more energy you have. Seriously. The only thing is that if something suddenly goes wrong (sick or very tired or a few bad nights), it's hard to recover, so you have to be able to accept that on such occasions you might not clean the whole house or wash the dishes or make a fresh meal or eat pasta twice in a row. And you'll learn that quickly. I'd advise you to go for it and involve your husband during periods when you know it's going to be tough so he does a bit more or something. And together you'll definitely make it work. And that gives even more satisfaction. Believe me.

I wish you lots of success and lots of energy. (There are also vitamin supplements, I've never taken them myself, I prefer to eat healthily, but my colleagues, young parents with busy lives too, do take them and it helps.)

Hi Katie,

I'm in a similar situation. I'm pregnant (with our 3rd kid, by the way) and I've been doing an HBO (higher professional education) course again for a year now.
Officially, it's a 40-hour study program over 2 years, but the study is also "customized," so I'm taking it a bit easier. My study is also an e-learning variant with one meeting per month.
My kids are at school and I study when they are at school.
The advantage of my study is the "customized" part (40h a week I just can't manage with 2 - soon 3 - children). Currently, I do an internship at a primary school 2 days a week. After the autumn break, I'll be done with the current internship period and after my delivery and postpartum period, I can continue with a new internship period.

How it all goes later on, I'll let it come to me. For me, it's the 3rd, so not much changes for me. I used to work full-time, so this will undoubtedly work out too.
For you, a lot changes. I advise you to first find your groove with your little one and enjoy your postpartum period. Only when everything is "in order," you have a certain routine, can you pick up your study.
You have to think very practically about your household. For example, I used to iron almost everything (including duvet covers, underwear, etc.), nowadays only clothes. I make the beds so that I can fold them up and iron them flat after airing them (I used to put them in). I regularly cook food for 2 days. For example, a mashed potato or pasta (1 time sauce and 2 times pasta cooking) is ideal for that.

Also keep RRR (= Rest, Cleanliness, Routine) for your little one. If you do that, you make it easier for yourself. Your little one feels good thanks to the rest and the routine and you also know where you stand: when your little one needs to be fed, but also when your little one is in bed and sleeping.
And of course, divide the tasks between you and your partner (in the evening). For example, my partner cleared the table etc. and I bathed the children and put them to bed (or vice versa).

I would say: don't stress. Countless women with a (full-time) job and/or study went before you and they manage it with a family.

Good luck!

Hi ladies, it’s so nice to read such responses. I’m sure it’ll be tough, but indeed, many mothers have gone before me! The advantage is that my husband and I decided that I won’t be working for now. First, we’ll focus on our baby and on my studies. As soon as I’m really almost done with my studies (or completely finished) and the light at the end of the tunnel (or certificate) is in sight... then I could take up a part-time job again. Some women study while also working and having a child (or multiple), and I really respect that. Now, I don’t know for how long we can financially afford this, but it all looks good. My husband knows how incredibly important this study is for me (and ultimately for our future), and I don’t have to worry about cooking or ironing because he does that a lot!!! Thanks for your tips and responses. I’m sure you’ll need to find your rhythm at first and adjust to life with your baby. I find my studies (luckily) really enjoyable, and it gives me a good feeling to study. Wonderful! It’ll be tough, but I love a challenge, bring it on! Just less social life and other hobbies, but I’m okay with that.

Hi Katie,

As I read it, you're already very positive about it and your husband will help you out.
Having a new baby always means getting used to things and adjusting, and that can take a little while.
Just keep trying, find a rhythm, and don't get stressed if your studies don't go as smoothly for a bit.

Wishing you lots of success!!