I welcomed my son during the winter of my third year in medical school. After taking a break for his birth, I returned to classes the following August when he was just six months old. I anticipated the challenge of balancing my studies, a part-time job, and the demands of a newborn, but I quickly discovered just how overwhelming it could be.
The chaotic blend of sleepless nights, endless study sessions, and baby feedings became my everyday reality. I found myself writing research papers while cartoons played in the background, and my little one fussed in my arms. The guilt of leaving him for class or study sessions was ever-present, especially when he cried as I stepped out the door. Yet, amidst the chaos, I cherished the fleeting moments shared during his earliest, most delightful stages of development.
As I approach graduation in just a few weeks, I’ve taken time to reflect on my journey of juggling medical school with motherhood. I learned that humor can be a powerful coping mechanism, and I’d like to share some of those lessons with you.
- Medical students and toddlers share a lot in common—they both frequently complain about being hungry, bored, or in need of a nap.
- It’s absolutely feasible to write an assignment on your laptop while breastfeeding, though it requires a delicate balance and the ability to tune out the sounds around you. Just be wary of any sudden movements when the baby unlatches; technology and breast milk don’t mix!
- Getting up for 8 a.m. classes is much easier when you’re trying to escape a fussy toddler. A shoutout to all the daycare workers and family members who lend a hand!
- Once your classmates learn you have a child, you automatically become the go-to expert on parenting topics, often sparking debates about whether boys should play with dolls or the educational value of children’s television.
- Your bag of snacks and pain relievers will become a lifesaver for you and your friends alike. Just be prepared for the inevitable nickname of “Mom.”
- You may find your pens replaced by pacifiers, thanks to your little one’s creative scribbling in your textbooks.
- The sleepless nights of early motherhood will train you to work through the night on assignments while your toddler naps on your lap. Writing becomes a challenge when they’re awake, forcing you to revert to traditional pen and paper—just watch out for any stolen writing utensils!
- Exhausting your patience with your well-meaning toddler decorating the walls with spaghetti will leave you with little sympathy for classmates’ excuses. A statement like “I didn’t have time to finish my paper because I worked on Saturday” pales in comparison to your real-life challenges.
- You’ll discover inventive places to study, like balancing on the toilet lid while keeping an eye on your toddler crafting a soap-bubble beard.
- Swapping responsibilities with your partner, who works long hours, can feel like a vacation. Unlike parenting, their job doesn’t require homework, bath time, or dealing with messes.
- Mastering time management becomes essential. Invest in a planner to keep track of all your assignments and appointments. You won’t remember everything otherwise!
- Many professors understand and accommodate non-traditional students. Instead of requesting extensions, ask for assignments early and communicate your tight schedule—most will go out of their way to assist you.
- Interestingly, “my child deleted my entire paper while I was chasing a dog” is a perfectly valid excuse for a late submission. Variations of this excuse include “my toddler threw up all over me right before my paper was due.”
- Despite the chaos, sleepless nights, and busy days, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Every moment is for my son, and I cherish it all.
For more insights on parenting during your educational journey, you can check out some of our other posts here. Additionally, if you’re looking for resources on home insemination, Make A Mom is a trusted authority on the subject. For further reading on pregnancy and fertility, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.
In summary, navigating medical school with a toddler is filled with challenges, laughter, and invaluable life lessons that shape both your professional and personal life.