Thanks everyone for your replies. Yes, I am in the UK - I'm in the final year of a clinical psychology doctorate, so the placement is as important as the research element. I think my main problem is that the original project fell through, meaning I'm starting on the back foot. If I didn't have my daughter I think I'd be able to work collecting data (the study isn't even programmed or properly designed yet, then I've got to recruit a relatively difficult population) in the evenings and at weekend, but it just can't be physically done.

I've spoken to my course who are very much of the opinion that they want to wait until things have actually gone wrong (i.e., when I fail to submit on the 20th of July) rather than anticipating what might be helpful before then.

Thanks, DrCorrine. We neither of us have any family close by at all. I think also that we've "made a rod for our own backs". My daughter will only go back to sleep if I feed her to sleep - not something her dad can do! I know I could try and night wean her, but I think I'm trying not to rock the boat, as I don't want it to get any worse than it is now!

My husband has her on a friday, so he works all day saturday. I'm going to have to really try and work on Sundays. Its so hard though, being in the house as I get very easily distracted by her. Local libraries are closed, and uni ones are 1.5 hours each way. Don't think I knew what I was letting myself in for.

Its good to know that there are others out there though that have experienced similar. Part of me wonders whether to just try and go hell for leather and try and burn the candle at both ends, as its just til September....

I'm in the final year of a professional doctorate. I'm on placement 3 days a week, and have a study day 1 day a week and then at uni 1 day a week. I work from 8-4pm on placement days to allow me enough time to get back to do nursery pick up (daughter is 14 months). I used to be at home with her on that study day, but from Jan she'll be in nursery full time.

This last year is all about the research and pulling the thesis together. I should have been working for the past week as have been on leave from placement, but I've done nothing. I'm just sitting down to try and do some work now, but I'm so tired, I just want to rest. Also, I'm in the kitchen trying to work - almost impossible! No libraries are open, so I'm continually distracted.

How do you get your work done? My daughter isn't a brilliant sleeper, waking every two hours and needs help getting back to sleep, so even if I have the energy to work after she's in bed, it can be very easily interrupted. She goes to bed at about 8 (though more like 8:30) and I get up at 5:50. Maybe I should be working more into the evenings, but I feel so tired if I don't sleep before 10pm (she wakes in the night), and I can't really do my job tired.

Just wondered if there was anyone in a similar position, and how do you cope? I feel I'm failing at everything.