That's the big fear, isn't it. If you take time out, you're stuck. But *are* there part-time postdocs? Or do you just have to work full time from then on. (I'm doing my PhD part time, which is great). I spoke to a leading (male) academic at a function a while ago, and he suggested applying for JRFs in preference to standard post-docs, as the terms could be more flexible. Many PhD funding bodies seem to be getting good at coping with pregnant students -- but what happens next? Any pregnant/mums of young children out there as postdocs??

Just found out I'm pregnant with #2 and at the 'hiding ginger beer and biscuits in my desk' stage. My supervisor knows, but no one else. This was a total surprise (mini pill and breastfeeding not enough), and I have no idea how I'll manage to finish with two tiny ones, but I WILL SOMEHOW!!! Any one else out there managed? (I know another girl at my university doing the same things, and she is coping very well.)

I'm pregnant with number 2... and still haven't finished my PhD. I had my first 18 months in, and had 4months paid leave, and have come back part time. Working while pregnant is really hard work You don't realise how tired you get! (although everyone is different) I am lucky and can work from home (I do computer simulations), and stopped going in from 28 weeks after a scare and a night in hospital with contractions. My supervisors and funding body have all been great. If you are committeed, then PhD with baby works well. The flexiblilty is great, as long as you have the dicipline.

oz, do you pay tax on your studentship? I just rang the tax credit line to check, and they told me that I *mustn't* declare my studenship on the tax credit form "income" section because it is tax free. Does that help??

On the father's side... mu husband has to hand in his MPhil thesis 4 weeks after my due date and there is no hope of delaying the deadline, or paternity leave or anything. He's going to be editing his thesis in the delivery suit at this rate!
Bump will be much loved, but it's accidental conception has rather thrown a spanner in our plans.

I see I opened a kettle of fish when I unearthed this one the other day!
Just thought I'd let you know that I told my supervisor about Bump#2, and he managed not to fall apart. He said I was a "novel" student! We now have a plan of what work I will focus on now, and leave writing of documentation and papers for near the end when Im more tired. (Although week 7 is nackering too!)
Part time PhD with Baby 1 was going really well, and I will say that I do find it the most flexible job that works really well around a baby. On the benefits front, my husband has started an Mphil. We now get Tax Credit and child benefit which is great. When he was working before, we got less... (I don't understand this, as he was paying tax before!). But PhDs don't count as "work" for childcare-related benefits:both partners need 16 hours a week.
To finish my PhD with 2 kinds in nursery will cost more than I bring in as a part time student, so I'm saving now! I've come this far, and love my work and baby.

Just a warning to other PhD mums... if you are breastfeeding and so can only take the mini pill BE REALLY CAREFUL! (Baby number 2 is going to be weaned much earlier so I can take the normal pill!)

Yeah, sorry for undigging an old one. Hadn't read the date properly!

I wanted to reassure others that if you are v. committed, a PhD + baby can work. And I really hope to find someone else who has been there twice! I don't know if I'll get maternity leave this time, but having got so far there is no way I'm giving this PhD up!! Academia is a strange world: there is no right time to have a baby! I just hope that, having done it young, I can then have a career afterwards without my body clock ticking away like so many people I know. And it does seem much easier to cope with a baby while young. (And easier to get pregnant!)

I'm a 3rd year PhD student with a I year old. I had the baby half way through my PhD, and everyone has been great. My work is mainly computer simulation, so I work on my laptop in the evenings and when he sleeps fairly well. I took 6 months out. My funding body gave me 4 months paid leave. I'm now part time -- the baby goes to nursery four mornings a week -- and it works well. But I know I've been very lucky: my supervisor is a great family man and very supportive. I stopped going into the deparment from 28 weeks pregnant becuase it was just too tiring. And doing experiments with morning sickness was a nightmare, but it was worth it. It is really hard, but if you are very committed, you'll be fine. My problem... I've just found out I'm pregnant again and dont hand in for another 18 months. Heaven knows what they'll say this time. eek!