Em - As someone who is obsessive about their career and had very high expectations about beginning my phd as soon as I had popped, I have to say that I agree with the other girls. I am going to start it next month (he will be 4 months) and am even a bit worried about that time-wise. The first six weeks really are a challenge as you learn your little bub, learn to breastfeed, try to sleep etc. And once you have them, you realise a week is a looooong time. Not only for you but for them. They are still learning who you are and that they can rely on you.
Good luck with what you decide. And it is great they will let you decide after the birth.
It's great that you can postpone and go on the next course if you decide to. It gives you the option to decide after the birth.
Honestly as the other girls have said, it's more than just leaving your baby. Even if DH and baby come along, I think you are going to have awful dificulty taking anything in. The pg hormones at that stage combined with lack of sleep (which you will have even with the best bub) make it impossible for your brain to work. I think you might realise what we mean once the baby arrives and you try to even remember what you need from the supermarket!
I understand the finiancial situation is difficult, but if you put yourself under pressure to do the impossible, your health (mental and physical) could suffer. So be prepared to have a plan b if you realise that the course would be too much so early. As others have suggested, is there a way you get up and running first and then do the course? Or spend more hours on part time work first and then take the chance that you are still the first in your area? I would try and look at all the options. Then, when you have had the baby, see how you are going and decide which path is going to work for you.
I wish you all the very best. I am sure it will work out well whatever you end up deciding.
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