Baby due the first week of school

[BloodnGuts]

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I will be starting MS1 August 1st, and my baby is due August 3rd. The babe is going to be delivered about 9 hours away from my school in the mother's home state (I'll be attending as an OOS student and she is on medicaid).

Anyways, what is the best way to approach this? I definitely will be present at my baby's birth. However, I have been out of undergrad for 4 years and desperately need the first week of review. Anybody go through a similar situation?

 

[Fleur de Me]

Congrats on the baby!

Here's what I would say- talk to your school, I'm sure they are more than willing to work stuff out with you.

Although I don't have a baby, I had to miss more than a week (nearly two weeks) of school for a surgery, and all of the professors made sure they helped me get back on track.

For the birth of your child, and the fact that it is the first week of school (believe me, it is a small small drop in the bucket of what you'll be learning), I wouldn't stress about it. I imagine if you wanted to meet with them a week before school and try to "get ahead" you probably could, but even if you didn't and just had to catch up later, you'll be fine.

Don't underestimate how understanding admin and profs can be- they want you to do well, so ask for their help!

 

[Rendar5]

The problem you have is that you have no idea when the baby will actually be born. hopefully it's full term, but can range from a couple weeks before to a week after. you're going to need to arrange something with your school where you may not be around for 2-3 weeks after it starts.

 

[BloodnGuts]

The problem you have is that you have no idea when the baby will actually be born. hopefully it's full term, but can range from a couple weeks before to a week after. you're going to need to arrange something with your school where you may not be around for 2-3 weeks after it starts.

Let's hope not
I can't mess up my education, and I have been out long enough I'm not going to postpone it either. I guess this is just the start of a long juggling act that comes with being both a father and a physician.

 

[BloodnGuts]

On the bright side, from what I've heard having a baby during your MS1 is much better than trying to have kids during residency. I'm 25 years old, done the young adult thing, and honestly I'm totally ready for a family.

This kid is going to be very well taken care of. My dream is to eventually do rural family medicine. However, I've also been very interested in military medicine for several years now. Having OOS tuition, a child on the way, an interest in primary care, and an urge to serve my country has made applying for the HPSP scholarship a no-brainer (yes, I've read all the posts in the military forum).

HPSP will help me to raise my child and focus on my studies without having to worry about finances (as much). After, I finish my obligation, I'm sure that rural medicine will still be waiting for me.

 

[Ilovewater]

Congrats on the baby!!!

First, talk to your professors, and they should be able to help you out. Second, does the school have recorded lectures? If it does, you can just listen to the lectures whenever you have free time, so you can somewhat stay on track.

Also, the first week isn't really review...at least it wasn't at my school. We started with the anatomy block, and they just taught whatever. There wasn't any actual review to help ease you in.

 

[MsKrispyKreme]

Do you plan on marrying yo baby mama?

 

[MossPoh]

On the bright side, from what I've heard having a baby during your MS1 is much better than trying to have kids during residency. I'm 25 years old, done the young adult thing, and honestly I'm totally ready for a family.

I think many of the true non-traditional students would be cracking up at this. Also kind of funny from my end because I've done TONS of stuff and am 26, but feel nowhere ready for a family at this point. I know we're all different. Just amusing to me. 😉

How do you go about handling it? However you can...This kind of thing doesn't exactly have a rigid timetable or guide book to follow. The first week isn't really a review week at most schools. Is that first week orientation or straight up classes? We had a week of orientation before we started, which makes a huge difference. I'd say you could study while you are away, but it is crazy to think you'd actually be able to focus on studying with the chaos and adrenaline.

Just roll with the punches. The same thing you're going to have to do the rest of your life as a parent. Lame answer I know, but aside from talking to profs and waiting to see how things happen, there isn't much you can do.

 

[exptherainbow]

I think you should probably contact your medical school rather than seek advice from us. Missing time during the first week or two at my school would have been a problem because of PBL and other mandatory sessions. I doubt you'll fall behind on the material, but you may find that you need to miss something mandatory. If you've already been accepted I don't see a reason why you can't call them and explain your situation. A lot of medical schools are supportive of family commitments, especially if it's your own baby.

When I first read this post I thought that you were female and planning on having your baby nine hours away, I'm rather glad that's not the case 🙂

 

[BloodnGuts]

She and I have discussed things and have come to the conclusion that I don't need to miss school. If she delivers after school starts my family will be my representatives there. Meanwhile, when I'm not in class I'll be making preparations by setting up our home in my school's city. This is not the ideal situation, but it's best for all involved.

On a brighter note we had our checkup today and the baby is doing awesome!

 

[eablackwell]

I hope this logical plan works out for you, but I wouldn't expect her hormones to ride out your logic toward the end. 😉