Attending university while raising a baby can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible! My husband Forrest and I managed to graduate while parenting our son, Jack, and we want to share how we made it work. Here’s our story, along with tips to help other student parents succeed.
When I first announced my pregnancy, I encountered an acquaintance who doubted my ability to finish college. She laughed and said, “Well…we’ll see about that.” This brief, dismissive comment fueled my determination. I was set on proving that having a baby wouldn’t stop me from earning my degree.
In April 2013, Forrest and I graduated with our Bachelor’s degrees, baby in tow! Was it more complicated than attending school without a child? Absolutely. But it was worth it, and if you’re in the same boat, it’s essential to know that you can do it, too. It’s been over ten years since we graduated, and I suspect there are even more options for flexibility than ever before. I am so grateful we made the sacrifices we did to finish college and have a baby at the same time. Our lives are so much better because we had that child and because we finished school.
8 Tips for Balancing College and Parenthood
1. Take Fewer Classes
Reducing your course load can make a world of difference. Instead of the 17 credits I used to take, I cut back to two or three classes per semester after Jack was born. This helped me manage my time better, improve my GPA, and allowed me to focus more on both my studies and my baby. While I graduated a year later than planned, it was worth the extra time to find balance.
2. Enlist Help
You can’t do it all alone, and that’s okay! Whether it’s family, friends, or community members, don’t hesitate to ask for help with babysitting or support when you need it. Be considerate by giving advance notice and offering to return the favor when possible. Having a support system can ease the load tremendously.
3. Know Your Resources
Most universities offer resources for student parents. These can include:
- On-campus daycare
- Family housing options
Check with your school’s student services or family support office to see what’s available. You may have to ask around, and some colleges may be more accommodating than other, but it’s worth it to find options that will work for you.
3. Talk with Professors
Communication is key. Let your professors know you have a baby and might need flexibility at times. When I was pregnant with Jack, I informed my professor early in the semester, and he worked with me to ensure I could meet course requirements. After Jack was born, I continued communicating with professors, who were understanding when I occasionally brought him to class or needed extra time for an assignment. Being upfront and professional made all the difference.
4. Utilize Grants and Scholarships
College is expensive, and financial aid can make a huge difference. Look into grants and scholarships, which don’t need to be repaid. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for grants, and explore scholarships offered by your department or university. These opportunities often have less competition, so don’t miss out on free financial support.
5. Plan Your Schedule Carefully
Scheduling classes around nap times and avoiding feeding times can help you manage both parenthood and school. When Forrest and I were both in school, we had to plan meticulously to avoid overlapping class times. Though we had a hiccup when Forrest had to add a last-minute class, planning ahead is essential to making everything work smoothly.
6. Baby Map Your Campus
Navigating campus with a baby can be tricky. Learn which bathrooms have changing tables and where to nurse your baby comfortably. Scout out ramps, elevators, and stroller-friendly routes to avoid inconvenient stairs or inaccessible areas. On one occasion, I carried Jack and his stroller up three flights of stairs because the elevator was out of service!
7. Explore Alternative Class Options
If possible, consider taking evening, online, or weekend classes. Many universities, including BYU where I attended, offer flexible parental options. I took online classes during my final semester, allowing me to finish my degree while caring for Jack. These alternative options were lifesaver, so check with your school to see what they offer.
8. Take It One Day at a Time
Some days will be harder than others, and there may be moments when you feel overwhelmed. But keep going! Walking across the stage to receive my diploma was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Even if it takes longer than expected, remember that you’re doing something incredible for both yourself and your family.
Final Thoughts
Having a baby doesn’t mean you must give up on your dream of graduating. It’s a new adventure, and while it comes with challenges, it’s absolutely possible. Take it step by step, ask for help when you need it, and believe in yourself—you can do it!
Alyssa S. Fillian says
I am a mother of a one year old boy and I just recently found out I’m pregnant with baby #2. I am beyond nervous since I’m supposed to start college around my due date. I’m totally at a lost on how everything will work out for me. I’m afraid I’ll be to exhausted and back out.
Katie says
I would meet with a school counselor as soon as you can!
Clara says
Thank you for you very motivating post! I’ve had very high hopes of finishing college and perhaps even double majoring. I already have a year of college under my belt, and decided to take a small break to spend extra time with my husband, since I was feeling very emotionally overwhelmed during my most recent semester. After doing some research, I decided to pursue my degree entirely online so we could finally get a start on our family (I thought a couple online classes at a time would be workable with that); lo and behold, the Lord decided to bless us with twins on the first go! Now, I had my doubts with taking care of just one child, but two?? I was wondering if should even start again on school this spring (2020) since that’s when the little ones are due, but I fear if I don’t, that I never will finish. And that would be a great disappointment. You spoke so highly about online classes, and I happened to find a college that offers degree programs completely online. Reading your post was very motivating especially when you share about how the reactions you received made you even more determined. I completely relate to that! In fact, some of my family don’t support me going back to school simply due to the fact that I will have two newborns to worry about. However, it is so important to me to finish, not just for myself but also for my family. It actually empowers me that my babies might actually be just old enough to vaguely remember my receiving my diploma. Anyways, I apologize for this long winded comment, but I would like so much to connect with someone about this who has been through this struggle. Any motivation/advise you can offer would be greatly welcomed. Thank you!
Amber Michele says
I read your comment and thought it was me who was writing it! I even postponed the courses I too was enrolled in because my baby is due NOW! (He is 4 days past due. January 10th was his day. It has come and gone, lol). I hope to enroll again in the Fall of 2020. But I too am feeling the pressure of whether or not it’s even going to work out. I’m so optimistic. But honestly, the financial aid paying for part time, opposed to full time, is what worries me the most. I know I could breeze part time. But full time was hard enough when I was single and childless!
Katie says
Hang in there! You are going to do great!
Tiffany says
This story is so beautiful! I decided in June 2018 to go back to college now knowing what I wanted to major in. I’m now half way through my first semester at a new college and it’s been exciting but challenging. I say challenging because I found out in September 2018 that I am pregnant with my second child and that’s when the morning sickness kicked in. I have 5 more weeks left in this semester and the morning sickness has started to subside but all I have been thinking about is how will it be when I attend college with a baby by my side Fall 2019? I thought about going to college during the summer but now I think I may need a break to focus on the baby for 2 months even though I may still work. What makes everything a bit easier for me is that I have a 6 year old daughter who loves helping her mommy, a wonderful husband and I attend college online so its more convenient for me to not have to drive out anywhere since I do work full time and I can be there for my daughter when she needs me especially after school. Next semester in March 2019 I will be half way through college to obtain my bachelors degree which does excites me but still worries me. I just hope I can make it through the last two years of college to finally receive my degree but this story gives me hope. Thank you so much!
Tara says
Hi, I know this was written 6 years ago but I wanted to say thank you as I really needed to read it. I’m in my final year of college and I’m due to have my first baby this week. I’ve had exactly the same reaction from friends that you had…which is laughing and saying “yeah, good luck”. 99% of the time it definitely only makes me more determined to do it. However, sometimes I think what if they are right and I’m just being ridiculously naive. It’s a part time degree course and I will have 6 months maternity leave which covers the whole academic year. I’ve done as many assignments as possible before the baby comes, so I am feeling very confident. My husband is a teacher so he works short days and gets good holidays. The constant doubting does get to me sometimes though. Especially the last few days. I just keep visualising graduating and thinking it Will all be worth it 🙂 so thank you again for the inspiration!! I hope your 6 year old is well and you are enjoying whatever path your career took 🙂
Katie says
I am so glad that you found my post and found some encouragement from it 🙂 I know that you can do it! My oldest is now in first grade, and my husband and I have our business working from home. Going to school with a baby was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I am SO grateful that I did it. If you ever need someone to listen to you, you are always welcome to email me 🙂
Tara says
Hi Katie,
That is very kind of you, thank you. I may just take you up on that if I’m losing hope 🙂
I had my little girl on Saturday and am more determined than ever that I can do it 🙂
Congrats on running your own business…that is no easy feat either! I hope it continues to do well.
Tara
Katie says
You are doing great <3 Congrats on your sweet baby!
Amber says
Hi! Your story really inspired me. I am currently enrolled in my freshman year of college and I have a little one that is on the way. This has given me new perspective on college with a baby. I already started looking in the bathrooms to find changing tables. These tips were really helpful.
Katie says
Oh, I’m so glad! Best of luck!
Alex says
Hi, your story really inspired me and I am at a point in my life and marriage where both my husband and I want to have a baby. Ive been taking classes to work towards my bachelors degree for a while now and I am almost at the point where I can apply to get into the program I have been trying to get into which would start fall 2019. Which means we would try to get pregnant end of this summer and give birth around may 2019 a few months before my program would start. Does it sound totally crazy to have a baby before starting this bachelors program? The program would also be online mainly with a few weekend lab classes throughout the whole program but not every weekend. I need some advice because my husband is just like “lets do it!” and I want to I just need advice.
Katie says
Hi! I’m so glad you commented. Based on what you told me, I think this would be very reasonable for you to do this. So long as baby doesn’t have any issues after birth (and chances are, he or she won’t!), you should be okay, especially with it being primarily online 🙂 Please let me know if you have any other questions or need someone as a sounding board 🙂
Sierra says
I am a senior year BYU student who just had a baby mid-semester and chose to take 3 decently demanding classes (sound familiar haha). I came upon your article with similar questions and was so delighted to see you went to BYU, too. I find it so funny and the stereotype so real.
Katie says
Your comment made me smile. Best of luck – it’s always nice to hear about another mom going through a similar situation. Six years later, and I don’t regret a thing!
DR says
Thanks you for sharing. This article will help a lot.
Katie says
You’re welcome!
Lily says
My name is lily I’m 19 and currently in hair school and just found out I’m about 5 weeks pregnant! I gave hair school a try cause I felt a little bit pressured by my boyfriends mom cause that’s all she ever told me I should go do! I had just gotten kicked out of my moms house so I was looking for guidance and I wish I hadn’t listened to signing up but i put on a happy face and signed up and I hate it ! I want to go to college to be a teacher but now I’m pregnant and I dont know how I could even handle it
ann says
This makes me happy to read. Together, my SO and I have 4 boys. We are about to try having one of our own. I work full time, my 10 yr old does competitive soccer, and have already decided to take classes online. I told my boss my plans this morning, and talk about negativity! “there’s no way you can get a degree with a baby” “there’s no way you’re going to be able to do it”
Cassandra Springer says
Thank you so much for your post! I’m a Mother of a toddler and a 4 month old and am going back to school this Spring semester while working full-time. I found this post very useful, but more importantly very motivating! You did a very difficult feat and I admire that so much! I’ve had many people tell me it’s impossible, which is also fueling my drive but I loved your article since it motivates me in a more positive manner to finish school. Thanks again!!
Ellie says
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much for this post. I am in the middle of an 8 week online summer course, scheduled for induction on week 5 of the class. I was starting to think I was insane for starting but its the last class I need to graduate and you make it sound achievable. 4 week, 4 weeks, 4 weeks.
Ashley says
Thank you for writing this. I have a year left of school and just had my baby and was wondering how I was going to be able to manage all of it. School is so important to me and it will help my baby and I have a better life, and this just really helped my mindset. 🙂
Taylor says
This is great ! this actually motivated me a lot considering the fact that I am having a baby boy and I am due June 10 2017. I took a semester off for my pregnancy and I do plan on going back in the Fall 2017 , but to a university that offers housing. This made me feel a lot better about actually going to school while having a baby and the simple fact that I will be a first generation graduate with a nursing degree in 2021. You are amazing and inspiring and I wish that more women would speak or start groups like this for college students with dependents.
Morgan says
Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I really needed this encouragement. I’ll be doing summer term when our little guy is due, and everyone has been telling me I am crazy, but I want to finish! This helped me see that I am not crazy and just need to have faith that it will all work out! Thanks for sharing; I will definitely be contacting my professors soon. 🙂
Amanda Wood says
This was very inspiring to me. 🙂 My fiance just went back to school this semester and I am planning on going back this fall. Our little girl is a little over a year. I was starting to feel apprehensive but this helped me to realize that it can be done with determination and hard work. Thanks very much!
Katie says
I’m so glad you found it helpful! It may be hard at times, but it will be worth it! I hope all goes well!
NaTosha says
Thank you so much for your inspiration. I have a six month old and currently pregnant with baby number 2 and I was determined to go back to school. But ever since I got accepted last week I’ve been questioning if it was really possible. Fortunately baby number 2 is due after the semester is over but I wanted to attend summer classes and not have to wait till fall (although I still might). The campus I’ll be attending has a daycare on site for my six month old which for a new mom is a big relief. Maybe this won’t be so bad. Thank you again for the for the words of wisdom.
Katie says
You can do it! It may be hard, but will definitely be worth it in the end =)
kathryn owens says
Thank you so much for sharing this. My husband and i are expecting our first child in february and couldn’t be more excited. Having this child is making me want to be better and i want to continue school. Funny thing is i am going for journalism also and we live in colorado. Thank you for this inspiration. After having countless jobs I know that having a degree in the field that I want to will only be better for my family. Thank you !
Katie says
Hi Kathryn! Thanks so much for your comment. Congratulations on your first child being due soon. Such an exciting time for you. I think the fact that you want to continue with college, despite having a child, is wonderful, and it’s a great example for your child. That is funny that you live in CO and are going into Journalism. What part of Colorado are you in? We are currently living in Englewood. Best of luck with everything! Let me know if you have any questions or ever need some moral support. It can be hard, but getting my degree was one of the best decisions I made!
Kylie Ramsey says
I am a senior in high school and my baby will not be born till February (just a couple months before I graduate) and by the time I get to college my baby will already be 6 months old! I definitely found this useful! I’m from western Oklahoma so I’m not sure if any of the universities and colleges are baby friendly but thanks to you I know what to look for!
Katie says
I’m glad you found this helpful! I wish you the best of luck – it’s not easy, but it’s so, so worth it to get your degree. What a great example you are setting for your child!
Rachael says
I found that I was able to get ahead and thus take on a fuller course load by asking my fall professors at the end of the spring semester if it would be possible to get stated on major assignments early and thus I was able to have all my assignments done by fall and just had to attend classes and study for quizzes and exams. I had a few poor weeks in there where I couldn’t afford the cost of diapers and had to use old adult T-shirts and pins to diaper my baby but the lack of diapers worked out just fine and the baby is now a healthy three year old. I started with a 2 year old, 5 month old and pregnant and am about to graduate with a double major in May. Also Amazon.com is amazing. I have literally saved thousands of dollars by buying prior edition textbooks for pennies on Amazon rather than buying them at the college book store.
Some time saving tips:
When you can, use cliff notes, or get the audio version of a textbook and listen to it as you wash dishes or do laundry. Hand’s free reading while breastfeeding was easier to do with a basic (not touch screen) Kindle than with a book because kids like to mess with pages. Sometimes my school library had my textbook in a prior edition that I was able to borrow rather than buy. It is often easier to get the overview of a subject on Wikipedia rather than reading your textbook. Use Wikipedia to find sources. I Google answers on fill in the blank assignments rather than hunting them down in the textbook because usually it takes less time.
On house work:
Somethings gotta give with only 24 hours to a day, three kids, two majors, and me being a homeowner everything takes turn being priority. I don’t fold laundry if someone want’s their laundry folded they can do it themselves. I wash it, dry it and stuff it in the drawers. Drawers are labeled with pictures for the kids. Tops, Bottoms, Socks & underwear and anything else, I hang mine and my husbands clothes. And I have minimized my life. Each kid has a different color sock because sorting and matching socks I don’t have time for, nothing is dry clean only and each person in our house only has 10 outfits they can mix and match per season. I don’t even sort laundry, we don’t own white outer clothing and if it bleeds it leaves, I will not hang onto it. I make our own detergent and all other household cleaners/ toiletries it takes a minute each time and saves hundreds per year. Till my oldest was 5 I kept her hair short just to have one less thing to do in the morning. I still don’t have time for makeup. I buy all my kids clothes at once season’s ahead of time at bag sales which take place in March at thrift stores or yard sales after the rain when they don’t want to have to dry all their clothes out to put them away for the next yard sale. I get them for $5.00 a bag and this way I cloth all three kids ever year for just $20.00 a year for all of them (I don’t forget shoes and snow boots). All my clothes come from thrift stores or yard sales.
I batch cook from scratch on the weekends as I find the time(last weekend was busy so all I made was a jar of Italian dressing mix).
I do bi-weekly shopping with a small trip in between for milk and bananas and any other odd things, I schedule parent teacher conferences, doctors visits and checkups for school breaks when possible. I don’t have a life aside from school, family and once a week church so I send my kids to head start to make friends. My mother in law cuts my kids hair for free, otherwise my son would have a buzz cut like my husband, and my daughter’s hair would be a slightly uneven bob. My hair gets cut at a local beauty school for $5.00 each time with my student discount I can get it for $4.00
This summer I plan on starting a garden to cut costs down and freezing and canning vegetables.
I didn’t have a fancy baby food maker just a hand held blender and ice cube trey and zip lock bags.
WIC program and Medicaid both lend out free breast pumps. If I ever pumped at home I put the pumps into the fridge rather than washing to prevent any germs from growing on them and I didn’t have to clean them every time. When I did clean the pumps sometimes I got lazy and soaked them in peroxide before wiping them down. I stored the milk in recycled glass condiment jars rather than spending money on plastic milk storage bottles that leach chemicals and I froze milk in ice cube trays and then stored them in sandwich baggies rather than buying expensive specially made milk storage bags.
Katie says
Wow! Thank you for your very thoughtful and insightful comment. You have so many great tips and experience. I know it’s hard, but you are doing a great thing for yourself and your family. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Stephanie Hammer says
Hey Katie!
I just wanted you to know that I read this and couldn’t agree more! I had my baby the Friday before classes started this past semester, and now that the semester’s over I feel like I can do anything! Once May comes and I graduate, I’m going to be so happy that I did. But it’s super hard, and I too tell my husband almost every day that I’m done haha! Anyways, you’re inspiring and I hope that many more people in our situation read this and are also inspired.
Thanks for sharing!
Katie says
So sorry I’m just now responding! I am so beyond on my comments. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Tierra says
Hey! I just read your post! I am a college student and this spring is my last semester but i am due the first week of march! I have to take 4 classes to finish and they are only offered in the spring so i do not want to wait an entire year to finish when i am so close! I have talked to a few of the professors and they said they were willing to work with me while i missed a few weeks to go into labor but i am nervous i am being unrealistic. I just wanted to know how long you were on leave for when you had your son and how your semester turned out from it!
Katie says
Hello! Thanks for commenting 🙂 First off, congratulations on your baby and for almost being done with school! What an exciting time for you 🙂 I didn’t go to class for two weeks. Assuming you have a relatively non-eventful labor and delivery, and everything is a-okay with your baby (which I’m sure will be the case!) I would imagine you’ll be feeling good enough to go back by that point as well. I tried to complete assignments before I went into labor, just to get ahead, and I ended up getting straight A’s that semester! It’s definitely doable. I’m not sure what kind of classes you are taking, but if you can get ahead with your assignments, definitely do that. Find a friend in your class who will be willing to take notes for you. You’ll be tired for that first little while after your baby is born, but really, the first month or so, your baby will sleep a lot! Definitely take advantage of that when doing assignments. Oh, and definitely keep in contact with your professors…that’s probably the most important thing. Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Kelsey says
Did I read this wrong? Did you take baby to your classes on occasion?
Katie says
I did actually take him on occasion. I know this wouldn’t fly at many universities, as BYU is unique in the aspect that teachers are accommodating, or even many of the classes at BYU it wouldn’t work. I was lucky enough that, in the classes I needed to bring him, that one of them only had 8 people, one had six, and one had three, and my little guy was very good. He was still at an age where he mainly just slept in his stroller, or let me hold him. And, obviously, if he did start crying, I took him out. I was the top performing student in all those classes as well, so it didn’t impact my learning, and everyone complained when I didn’t bring him. Like I said, it usually won’t work out so well like this, but I was very blessed to be able to bring him to some of my classes during those last few semesters so both my husband and I could finish.
Alice Emma Thompson says
Great tips – so impressed, well done you!
Thanks so much for sharing at The Friday Baby Shower Alice x