Can I Go To College With A Newborn?

Yes, you can go to college with a newborn! Going to university with a new baby takes dedication and careful planning, but many mothers find it rewarding. It’s entirely possible to pursue your academic goals while nurturing your little one. 

When deciding whether to attend college classes with a newborn at home, there are many factors to consider. In this post we’ll explore the vital role of a support system, our best tips for going to school with a newborn, some common challenges you might experience and how to overcome them, and when you might consider taking a semester off.

Getting Support
A good support system can make even the most overwhelming tasks feel simple and doable. Everyone’s support system looks a little different, and there’s not just one right way to ask for help! You might rely on your family, friends, teachers, babysitters, neighbors, doctors, or even non-profit organizations in different ways while caring for a newborn.

No matter who’s there for you during this time, be sure to communicate clearly about scheduling, needs, and baby’s habits to avoid resentment. A little communication and intentionality can go a long way to avoid misunderstandings. Many new moms find it helpful to have someone watch their baby during classes or while studying. Additionally, getting help with daily chores can also give you a little more energy each day to focus on your schoolwork and your newborn.

Non-profit organizations that specialize in helping new moms succeed in college can offer a variety of financial, material, and emotional support. Our team at The Avi Project designed a proven program to walk with students through the uncertainty of unexpected pregnancy. We provide tuition assistance, career counseling, baby food and clothing, and most importantly - compassion and understanding. If you’re a student in Colorado facing unplanned pregnancy, call or text us at 720-386-6009 for free and confidential counseling.

Tips For Going To School With A Newborn
Here are our best tips for going to college with a newborn baby. It’s important to find what works for your unique situation - don’t worry if it takes some trial and error to get into a new routine.

• Speaking of routine… establishing a routine can help! When you know how your day is going to go, and have good habits that support you and your goals, you can minimize the stress of daily responsibilities. When you’re planning ahead and making your schedule, be sure to include things like assignment deadlines, babysitter availability, and “me” time.
• Make sure you find a few minutes every day to unwind and do something that helps you decompress. It’s easy to treat your “me” time like it’s not a priority, but taking care of yourself will help both you and your baby.

• Communicate with your professor and let them know if you’re having a hard time keeping up with assignments, preparing for tests, or getting to class on time. Your professors want you to do well. They might be able to make other arrangements or give you extensions to help you succeed.
• Communicate with your fellow students too, especially if you’re working on group projects together. You might consider telling your classmates you’re a new mom if you feel that it’s impacting your participation.
• Take classes online for more flexibility. Since most colleges do not allow you to bring your baby to class, taking classes online can allow you to stay home with your newborn, work at your own pace, and cut down on travel time. It’s a good idea to find out if you’re required to keep your camera on during virtual classes.
• Make a plan to keep you and your baby fed. Subscribing to a meal kit service or asking a family member to cook for you can help you get the nutrition you need during this time. Meal prep can also be helpful, so you always have food ready when you’re hungry. If you breastfeed, getting a breast pump can give you more flexibility with feeding your baby - especially if someone else is watching your newborn while you go to class or study.

Challenges
You might have heard of “the 4th trimester,” which refers to the first twelve weeks after giving birth. During these early months, babies require constant attention, relying on their caregivers to meet their every need, making this time crucial for bonding. New moms are also recovering from birth and possibly surgery, going through hormone shifts, learning how to breastfeed or bottle feed, and adjusting to a new life of parenthood. If this is your first child, then parenthood is a completely new part of your life, and it’s natural to need time to adjust to this change. During those first three months, it’s common for moms to feel overwhelmed.

If you experience unexpected medical complications or have a c-section, recovery may take longer than anticipated. Remember that your well-being and your baby’s health always come first! Some mothers also experience postpartum depression, which can make it more challenging to keep up with coursework. Additionally, caring for a newborn who needs to be fed every couple of hours can understandably lead to fatigue and sleep deprivation. Having a good support system in place can truly make all the difference during this special time in your life.

Taking A Semester Off
New moms do not have to take a semester off, but they should if they feel it’s best. 

If you’re uncertain what to do, consider easing back into your college curriculum after giving birth by temporarily reducing your class load. Some moms take just one or two classes, or take classes that are twice a week instead of three times a week, while they adjust to parenthood. This can help keep your momentum with school while prioritizing your well-being and mental health. 

Take note of the deadline for dropping classes, and be gentle with yourself if your course load ends up being too much. It may help to give your course load a try, but remain open to deferring one or all of your classes if it ends up being too much. 

And remember - it’s ok to aim for “good enough” right now. You don’t need to be getting A+ and extra credit while navigating this huge life change. Listen to your body and prioritize your mental health.

Do What’s Best For Your Family
New moms can go to college with a newborn if they want to! Life does not end with pregnancy or parenthood, and a little support and planning can go a long way. There will always be something unexpected or challenging happening in your life, and it will never be the perfect time to finish your degree. If you’re going to have a baby soon, and are wondering if you have to take a semester off… you don’t have to unless that’s what’s best for you, your baby, and your growing family.