Hi,
I am a mum of a 4yr old, working FT, doing PT-Phd. I did my first year as a full-time student collecting data, and then switched to part time from my 2nd year onwards, becasue im funded, the contract requires me to complete it within 3 years (same as someone doing a FT phd). Ridiculous, but i couldnt do anything but accept the terms. In a way, my research is fairly straightforward in a sense that i dont have to go to labs, i just work on data (transcripts)and trying to 'prove' a model (sociology).

Lately, there is another thing on my mind, other than trying to write the thesis. Im 37 and starting to panic. i want to try for another baby this year (yes, while doing the PhD), only because i dont think i can wait till i complete the phd (38++) to try. But im not sure if i can pull it off - PhD, baby, work. I do have help at home when it comes to my toddler and if i should have a baby, but someone told me that the morning sickness might get the best of me, and it would be impossible to work on the thesis. for this reason, i have been stressing myself out of late, trying to figure out how to get at least 80% of the thesis done before i try for a baby, so that, i could at least cope not too bad if i do indeed fall preg during my Phd duration. Is all this too ambitious?

Can some mummies out there, who's had a baby whilst doing their PhD, please share with me your experiences.

Hello everyone,
Im so glad someone started this post. I am starting to feel really down about this whole Phd thingy today and really need an outlet to vent. I work FT (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm), i hold a managerial position at work, i have a toddler, and im doing the Phd PT-basis (sociology). I am funded, but the ridiculous thing is, although im PT-status for the Phd, the funding body (employer) expects me to complete it within 3 years (the same duration for someone doing an FT in the same phd course because thats just the policy!). Its signed on contract, there's nothing i can do to change it. On weekends, my husband takes our toddler out so that i can catch up on my readings ro do some writings, but im really wrecked with guilt and not spending enough time with my toddler, so instead of working doubly hard in getting most of the thesis done on sat-sun, i get at most 2-3hours shot at it.

The i tried another strategy, which worked fairly well in the beginning. I forced myself to write 500 words per day, and i stopped when i reached that number. It could be free writing, or just my thoughts with regards to the argument of my thesis; well, just to feel good that i at least did something. I tried getting up to do some readings/writing between 5am-630am each day, but its just not possible, i need my sleep. During lunchhours, sometimes i get out on my own to some cafe and catch up with 1-2 readings (this means, i dont quite socialise with my colleagues). It sucks, but i tell myself, there's no choice. because by the time i get home (7pm), my attention is to my toddler.

At this stage, im no longer in love with my phd topic, i despise it, i procrastinate, and im simply not motivated at all. Im trying to not feel sorry for myself, but today has been bad. I just need some encouragement for someone who has been there, and done this, and to tell me, that its not so bad, that i will eventually make it.