https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 17 May 2026 18:02:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum/page/2#post-2366345 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 18:41:01 +0000 pastemoo 2366345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So much thoughtful and respectful and kind feedback. I have a lot to think about. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum/page/2#post-2366128 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 13:22:14 +0000 MenagerieMama 2366128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As another former med student (now MD) to chime in, I unfortunately have to agree with @sapphire. Quite a few students had babies, but they all "expanded" to take 5 years to graduate. I think some would do some kind of research project to keep their student loans during that extra year, or an MPH, or something that they were able to be at home a lot. </p> <p>Unfortunately MS3 clerkships are a huge factor for the residency you will match into, both just in grades (which sadly are still very subjective and basically involve you having to be incredibly invested and eager in every specialty you rotate in) and for the letters of rec you will need later. I would not go into them with less than 100% and I know I would not have been able to perform that soon postpartum! I would have been far too distracted to soak in everything I needed to and have the appropriate level of involvement/enthusiasm needed. Maybe if you can have an elective or two first to ease into it might be more doable. </p> <p>So I feel like the issue is more being able to have a plan to perform well on your clerkships, rather than the one required week you have to power through. That will be painful but finite. Just make sure that you have a strong enough plan to not have your clerkships suffer, particularly if you want to get into a competitive specialty or residency program.</p> <p>Residency can be a bit more flexible (within reason, 12 wks of FMLA leave still had to be made up at the end). My program was pretty competitive but very decently family friendly, so there was often a baby boom R3 year! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2366120 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 13:07:40 +0000 sapphire 2366120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everyone I knew in medical school that had a child took an extra year. I had a baby toward the end of my last year of residency and it was hard, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel where I took some extra time off before starting a new job.</p> <p>3rd year of medical school is TOUGH and matters so much for residency. Your performance in clerk ships is critical. This is truly your foundational learning in medicine. Going back at a time when you are not physically or mentally ready for it sounds dangerous to your health, your relationship. Your performance in clerkships, and your education. </p> <p>Can it be done? Yes. But that's a lot of sacrifices and corners will be cut in a way that you really may regret. I'd caution you to think really hard about delaying clerkships until later. Repeating clerkships looks really bad (I did interviews for prospective residents every year I was in residency).</p> <p>Also, residency is unlikely to be flexible. Lots of rules and regulations governing it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2366040 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 09:54:35 +0000 Maysprout 2366040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best wishes! If youR MIL can come that would probably help a lot. Then one can watch toddler and one can bring in baby for snuggles or nursing during breaks if thats what you want. Have you considered an au pair? DH and I considered that while he was in med school, more affordable than a nanny. I think some of it will be mentally preparing to spend money. There's only so much one can fit into a day, which may mean eating more frozen dinners, hiring house help etc. it's only temporary but some additional financial drain is going to be necessary for sanity. I've known a few women who have had babies during med school and all have either moved back in with parents or had their parents move in or their spouse has taken at least a year off, so if none of those are an option I'd go with finding an au pair. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365981 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 02:50:39 +0000 fuzzypeaches 2365981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This just sucks for you 😕<br /> I'm a resident and can say that flexibility unfortunately isn't much increased. it will seem like everyone else is a "super mom" but try and make sure you are taking care of yourself. No career is worth sacrificing your physical and mental health for. Is your medical director supportive? </p> <p>Do you have family nearby? These are the kind of situations where I would accept any and all help.</p> <p>Pm me of you ever need to vent or talk. The pressure in medicine is sometimes hard to explain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365794 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:48:21 +0000 birdofafeather 2365794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: PPs had a lot of good info on specifics, but i think that since the week is mandatory, then just power through. you have DH holding down the fort, so that's awesome and people get by on little to no sleep during the first few weeks no matter what, right? i would get as many meals sorted out as possible with lots of snacks ready for you. i would be walking, taking EPO, RRL tea, bouncing on a yoga ball, having sex, getting foot reflexology, etc as soon as you go on leave to prime the pump to get that baby out. sounds like you have some time to get things set up, so hopefully you can find a couple ways to move school stuff around. because you have a few months with DH as the primary caregiver, i would work on letting things go now and be able to focus on your schooling! good luck. you can do it! (with the loan situation, i think that's more than just no income! so i get it.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365779 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 15:47:39 +0000 DesertDreams88 2365779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just some thoughts...<br /> - I've read many times here on HB that if an OB thought a scheduled CS was necessary (for various factors), they'd schedule it for 38 or 39 weeks so as to not "risk" a vaginal birth...<br /> - If it's a choice between early CS and going back to school at 1-3 weeks PP, my OB would be solidly 100% on the side of an early CS. He won't let me go on FMLA even a day early because he wants me to protect all my time for recovery and taking care of baby.<br /> - Personally, I wouldn't even attempt breastfeeding in a situation like this. That being said, I'm PERSONALLY not in love with the idea of breastfeeding, though I know it's what's "best." Formula seems a lot more straightforward without any of the issues of pumping, mastitis, clogged ducts, low supply, oversupply, latching, leaking, yadda yadda yadda... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365701 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 12:52:13 +0000 shellio 2365701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: I'm an attending MD. Some residencies are more flexible than med school and some are not, just like anything else, it varies widely. One of my med school classmates had a baby every year in med school, and was back within a couple days. I thought it was nuts. She was on surgery rotation with me - she had a RCS on a Friday, I think it was scheduled for morning so she was out that day. The following Monday the whole team was surprised to have her show up for rounds like nothing happened. I don't know if I would even call that badass! Anyway you're right, lots of women have babies in fourth year when things are more flexible but even that is tough because you have an infant/toddler throughout residency. Do you already have one at home? It sounds like you had a CS before, are you attempting to VBAC? (Sorry, I must be a little dense but missed that info.) If you are holding out for VBAC it might make more sense to just give up and schedule the CS, or schedule for 40 weeks to give yourself 3 weeks before the mandatory week. VBAC success drops after 40 weeks anyway and many practices will frown on letting you go much past 40. Also, it might be a possibility to take time off after your mandatory week at some point (like a 4 week rotation?) and make it up 4th year. Alternatively if they would let you do one of the easier 4th year electives (at my med school they had EKG reading that was easy and all done from home for 2 weeks, for example) that would give you some time off without sacrificing all of the free time you'll need in 4th year for residency interviews etc. </p> <p>You can't be the first woman ever to have a baby or need/request time off during 3rd year. I don't know if you have yet but definitely talk to the appropriate faculty member about how they can work with you and support you. Feel free to wall me if you have questions - good luck! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365684 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 12:16:59 +0000 looch 2365684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: You're bada**, don't let anyone else tell you differently! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365656 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 11:16:19 +0000 MsHangry 2365656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: Hi fellow Med student!!</p> <p>I had LO in May of my M3 year. I am currently on a LOA until January. I have one last M3 rotation to complete then I start M4 stuff in March. I am lucky that my school is being very flexible and we can afford a year delay in my graduation. </p> <p>Some classmates have had to repeat M3 rotations in July of their M4 year (for one reason or another) but have stayed on course for graduation. Maybe that is an option? My advice is start talking with your Deans now.<br /> -Get the RCS scheduled as early as possible<br /> -Make it thru Intersession by whatever means possible.<br /> -Can your first rotation be an elective? A research elective or anatomy TA elective count towards our graduation requirements but have very flexible hours. </p> <p>Good luck!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365545 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 07:37:26 +0000 Charm54 2365545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of :heart: . My mom is self employed so when she had all 4 of her kids she was only able to take mere weeks off. I am in total awe of her. I think she went back after 2 weeks with me. </p> <p>We went to work with her sometimes when possible, she bottle fed (not to discourage you from BFing ... she has always said that for her, she didn't really feel like she had a choice) and had my dad do a lot of the night feedings so she was functional at work the next morning. I know my grandma was also a huge help. </p> <p>Good luck. I remember her saying it was very difficult, but it was a short period of time and everyone survived. she made it through the other side and you will too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365509 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 06:25:40 +0000 regberadaisy 2365509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: you are amazing. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365475 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:41:08 +0000 lemondrop 2365475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also vet related, but great regardless, I always share with my students: </p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/erin-gruber/why-i-never-got-an-a-in-vet-school/436617256533573" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/notes/erin-gruber/why-i-never-got-an-a-in-vet-school/436617256533573</a></p> <p>Definitely be kind to yourself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365473 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:36:25 +0000 lemondrop 2365473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>:heart: :heart: :heart: High blood pressure got a lot of doctors moving for me the second time around :silly: </p> <p>Mine are vet tech students and I know plenty of vet students that have gone through similar stuff. Many of mine were able to negotiate with the dean to not lose too much time right around the birth. Labs are tricky for mine (while still pregnant), they have to waive a lot of the risks with our preserved specimens for dissection and wear gas masks during their surgery sequence, they still have to take a few radiographs, but we try to switch them to a later sequence to get their skills done after their first tri. </p> <p>Does your school offer different styles of learning? At Ohio State one friend did an independent study year and just came in for exams, that's not for everyone of course and this was 15 years ago, so I have no idea if that is even allowed these days.</p> <p>Regardless, you've gotten this far, keep on chugging along. Let me know if I can help any more or if you need to vent :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365468 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:18:49 +0000 daniellemybelle 2365468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You are a rockstar! I do agree with the others that if I were you I would schedule the C section at 40 weeks on the dot if your doctor thinks it is a good idea - and most are more than happy to get you on the calendar rather than wait for labor! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365463 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:02:28 +0000 travelgirl1 2365463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any helpful advice but I wanted to say I'm sorry the rules are so shit.</p> <p>And that you are awesome, you have worked so hard to get here and you have totally got this. Hugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365396 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:39:33 +0000 BandDmommy 2365396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: FWIW I think the first month or so was pretty easy since they sleep so much. You can do this momma!! Super mom! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365395 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:38:17 +0000 blackbird 2365395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: that's awesome! You're just in a "do what you gotta do" stage. It will be hard on you but you've worked too hard to miss your opportunity! So hang in there :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365387 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:33:22 +0000 gingerbebe 2365387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would get comfortable with the idea of combo feeding with formula. I think the most important thing is that you get adequate rest after you deliver and take care of YOU. You don't want post partum depression and if you feel you might be at risk I would ask your MD to have an RX ready for you. Pumping is all fine and good but if you are up all night doing it on top of nursing you are going to be so exhausted. Eat very well and outsource as much work as you can. Let your husband be the zombie. Hugs to you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365384 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:31:07 +0000 pastemoo 2365384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: Thank you. I have reached out to a few, but the last 2 mamas in my school were bad asses. One had twins and had an exam brought to her hospital room within a few days after delivery so she could keep up, the other took a weekend off (both during M2, so lectures) and returned to class, with her mom pushing the baby in a stroller in the hallway outside class.<br /> I don't know anyone in this time frame at my school and have checked momMD website but I find the bulletin board to be technologically difficult for me. Many women choose to have a baby in the 4th year where time off is much more flexible.<br /> I will ask around more, for sure, thank you for reminding me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365372 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:21:34 +0000 blackbird 2365372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've known some students to go back 2 weeks PP. Any chance you can reach out to some residents? Chances are, you aren't the first med student to have a baby. Any chance your dr will do a scheduled C at 40 weeks? Maybe all the stress will jack your blood pressure up and then you'll have to deliver before 42 weeks! </p> <p>If it's at all hopeful, I thought life with a 2 week old was easier than 4 months old!</p> <p>I would try to reach out to people in the field...you'll probably get a lot of encouragement that way. Doctors don't always get leisurely maternity leaves like the rest of us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365359 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:09:53 +0000 pastemoo 2365359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: june 1. and i am not a candidate for induction due to c section, but maybe if can keep running, i can run the baby out? j/k<br /> @TrailRunner: thank you.</p> <p>i mean, the chances i go 42 weeks are pretty low right?</p> <p>you are so awesome. thank you for the support (and outrage, which makes me like less of an idiot for getting so worked up about it).</p> <p>i have asked my MIL to come during the week of intersession, she probably can. i want my mom to come at some point, but her schedule sucks and that will be more... variable dates. i can't ask for say "june 26 to july 5" and get an answer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365356 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:05:26 +0000 Foodnerd81 2365356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have not done this, but I just want to say if I was in that situation, I would ask about an induction just to make sure you at least have a couple of weeks, and while I would try to breastfeed, if that came between me and my sanity, I wouldn't feel bad if it didn't work out. I can understand why you wouldn't want to miss one week to skip a whole year. You can make it work, just be sure to cut yourself some slack. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365353 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 21:01:03 +0000 avivoca 2365353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: I would also suggest a scheduled induction if you are favorable. I'm really sorry that you are faced with this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365338 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 20:43:24 +0000 TrailRunner 2365338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: it's amazing you can do when you HAVE to. I'm sorry you are faced with this situation, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the mandatory week falls at least a few weeks after delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365336 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 20:39:34 +0000 regberadaisy 2365336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: I know you really don't want to put off school. Would you be opposed to a scheduled induction to give you as much time possible before you HAVE to start school? Can any of DH's family or your family fly in to help? I'm not even talking about you physically. I'm just talking the adjustment of two plus life can be crazy in those first few weeks. Add in med school? Yeesh.<br /> What is your EDD?</p> <p>(((Hugs)))</p> <p>You know, anything you need, we are all here for you. You can do this!!! You are so strong, you can do anything! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365334 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 20:38:06 +0000 pastemoo 2365334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BandDmommy: I'm in medical school, and not a resident. I hope they are more flexible in residency, but I have no idea. The week I have to attend is intersession. if i miss it, i cannot start clerkships that round, no exceptions, no makeups.</p> <p>@ShootingStar: my quality of work is definitely going to suffer, you are so right on that.</p> <p>@lemondrop: This is incredibly helpful. Thank you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2365329 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 20:33:55 +0000 pastemoo 2365329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: I am a student. I don't know how it is legal, I think it's because they are offering me a leave of absence.... during which my student loans gain more interest and require me to start paying them back, and how would I get a job? I would basically be completely broke till returning and requalifying for loans.<br /> I hope the baby is earlier than 42 weeks. I know they do have a nursing/pumping room in the building where that week of mandatory classes are. I'm hoping DH can bring the baby by for some nursing instead of pumping but we'll see.</p> <p>@shellio: DH is also SAHD for the summer. Yay. Thank you for the perspective, it helps!<br /> @birdofafeather: it's a school, not a job, so they can do whatever tf they want. :( i have off from mid may to mid june (reasons are complicated). due june 1. cannot get a nanny but DH will be SAHD till mid august.<br /> @babybean404: anything is possible but i really do not want to do that (loans)<br /> @birdofafeather: there is no budget for extras right now :( but that is not what i am concerned about. i think if i get a donut pillow to sit on, i will survive. it's 8 to 5 for a week, and after than one absolutely mandatory week, i may be able to take off two weeks (maybe 4 if I am lucky and my doctor approves), but if i miss that week, i am SOL.</p> <p>@josina: I know. It's going to be rough, But I have put so much in, I can't let that week get between me and my future. it's one week. anyone can do anything for a week, right? I hope... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2364805 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 12:07:19 +0000 lemondrop 2364805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I teach part time, and due to when my second finally decided to arrive and how close it was to my students national/state boards, I had to return within a week for my night tutoring sessions and return to teaching half days within 3 weeks. My boss was ok with whatever I decided, but being that I knew what to expect, I knew I would be ok with this schedule, ok, but tired. </p> <p>Since I knew I would have to go back to tutoring within a week, I started pumping after almost every nursing session to get up to an oversupply asap. It sucked, but I had a teetering balance of just enough bottles fairly quick, and more than enough by the time I went back during the day. I also bought a few boxes of those single serve pre-made formula bottles, so it took some of the pressure off of me to have something to feed just in case. </p> <p>I wouldn't have been able to do it full time by any means. I was lucky that I could work out mostly half days and one full day a week. On that full day, my husband was home with the kids, so he brought them at lunch, so I was able to nurse while he went and picked up my lunch. Father of the year to me! :heart: </p> <p>I have a student who went back to school 3 weeks after her baby arrived- it was her third though, so she was on top of everything far more than I was with my second. She did a combo of formula and nursing since she was at school from 8-12 every day, then fortunately able to be home with her for the rest of the day and night. Her test scores weren't fantastic, but she passed and that's all that really counts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-to-return-to-workschool-early-post-partum#post-2364799 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 12:00:07 +0000 BandDmommy 2364799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I'm not sure how it works when you are in medical school. My guess is residency is paid and that's what she's referring to. I'm not sure how it looks delaying residency. </p>