When I was pregnant in college, I was just hoping, hoping, hoping that I would never have to bring my daughter to class. I wanted to fit in and be like everyone else. I didn’t want to be the “mom.”
I wanted to be normal.
But alas, one cold March day, I had no choice. My boyfriend had to work, my parents were too far away, I had no babysitter. So I bundled her up, put her in her baby carrier and off we went.
I eased into class about five minutes late, hoping if the lecture had already started, then there’d be less need to explain why I had a kid in my arms.
But no. My professor was a chatty woman, and she hadn’t begun class yet. I settled in my seat and got my daughter out of her little snowsuit. She has been comfy and half-sleep, so she was pissy. She started fussing. My attempts to shush her and rock her were failing and if I didn’t get her wound down, then I’d end up spending class in the hallway – and what was the point of that?
My professor heard the ruckus and sauntered over to me and cooed at my little one. “Hey, sweetie,” she said. She reached out her arms. “May I?”
I hesitated for a moment, only because I knew she was going to start class soon and I didn’t want to keep passing her back and forth. But I handed her over.
Immediately, my daughter quit crying and snuggled on my professor’s chest. My professor smiled and headed to the front of the class.
And do you know, she taught class that day while holding my daughter? And I was free to take notes and listen and take my exam without a baby in my arms. How awesome was that?
But all professors aren’t as understanding and not all college students feel like they can bring their kids to class with no repercussions.
This book, written by Sherrill W. Mosee, addresses this and other issues student parents face as they chase that degree. Filled with essays from student moms on how they overcame obstacles and made the impossible happen, it also gives practical advice surrounding child care, support systems, and college programs.
In truth, I wish I had this book when I was in college. It’s that helpful.
I’m giving away a copy to a lucky reader – all you have to do is leave a comment saying you’d like to win. Simple, right?
The giveaway ends Friday at noon so enter now! 
I’d like to win. I’d really like to win. I need this book asap.This issue has been a struggle for me. I need all the help I can get.
Oh, wow, sounds like an incredible book! I’ll have to go find it. I wish I had read it while I was in college…
I was a 20 college drop-out when I had my son. My son was my inspiration for finishing school. He didn’t ask to be born to a young, uneducated single mother. With my beautiful baby boy as my driving force, I graduated from college and went on to graduate school. Luckily I had great family support and never had to take him to class. But for any moms doubting whether it can be done, I am here to say it can!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Long Day- Random Thoughts About Family Life =-.
Lindsay – I wasn’t a college dropout when I got pregnant, I was worse. I was 2 months away from earning my high school diploma when I found out I was pregnant. I had no plans to go on to college. I was going to live with my boyfriend and continue at my dead end job. My pregnancy and the birth of my son made me realize that my son deserved better and gave me the push I needed to enroll in college. Just this May I earned my Associates, and I never would have gotten this far if it weren’t for my son. He is everything to me, and he deserves the absolute best I can give him, and my earning a degree is definitely in his best interests.
id love to win this … i 21 and i have an 11 month old and trying to go to school has been hard for me.. but my child is the best thing that has ever happened to me
I’d love to win this book. I have a 1 and a 2 year old (just 11.5 months apart) and I’m in grad school. There’s been so many, many times I’ve been tempted to take one or both of them to class, even if it were just to drop something off to the professor!
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..summer time goodness =-.
I want to win! I need this book! I’m trying to finish school, and it can be rough with TWO kids under 5. Sometimes I feel like giving in, but when I look at my kids, they make me want to do better. Even if I don’t win, I’ll buy this book.
This would be wonderful to win! I am about to start college this winter term, and I am so excited. I haven’t been able to go since I graduated high school three years ago because of financial issues, but I finally get to go and start a career where I can provide my daughter a wonderful life!
I am getting ready to start school this fall, and I am super excited! It’s been three years since I graduated high school, and will finally be able to give my 2 1/2 year old daughter everything that she deserves!
I’d love to win this book!
I would really like this to win this book. I have been struglling for years. I am starting traditional school in a month. I dont have much but if i don’t win will this book be available at the library I really need help
I would love to win this book!!
I’m headed to college in the fall and I have 2 young kids. I’m so nervous about leaving them since I’ve been a SAHM to my almost pretty much their whole lives. But it’s time to go do something that will benefit their futures!
I so would love to have this book.
After having my son my decision to go back to school was pushed back. I am finally getting around to starting the process of returning. I was hesitant at first but I am finally building up the courage to get it done.
.-= Sheena´s last blog ..Doesn’t take much to please my child =-.
I would love to win this book! I’m doing prerequistes for nursing school and balancing student life wth mommy life is only going to get harder! I need all the help I can get!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Clinicals =-.
I would LOVE to win this book. I was 22 when I had our daughter – I was one year into doing my PhD… Recently, I found out I failed my final exam. I get the option to re-write part of my thesis in 6 months – extremely hard with a full time job and now-2year old.
I do think this book should be given to every student Mum when they give birth! I wish I had found this book 3 years ago..but no doubt this book would give me the energy to persevere when now times are even harder.
.-= Mrs O´s last blog ..I wanted to change the world- but I couldnt find a babysitter =-.
I will definitely need this book once my little one comes along in October.. It will be back to school for me in January.
That was so nice of your professor to do that for you.As i was reading i said to myself awwww. I tried twice to go back to school and finish when i was pregnant with both my daughters. I didn’t finish and i felt like a failure.I had to take care of them,without help from there dad.I finally came to the realization that without a degree i was not going to able to make a descent living for them off the little retail experience i had in my teen years.Now i am back in college and days away from my degree.
I too could really use this book! I’m currently a college student halfway through my Bachelor’s degree, and hoping to finish it up in the next few years (slower, now that I have a little one on the way – surprise!). I didn’t even know bringing a baby to class was allowed. As long as they’re not disruptive, I suppose it would be okay?
This is definitely a guide I need to read! If I don’t win, I will have to try and pick up a copy. Thanks for the heads up (:
@Amber – I didn’t even know (or think) to ask permission. It was either bring the baby with me or miss the exam. So I brought her with me, sat in the back, and hoped for the best! And it worked out. I wouldn’t do it all the time, but if you’re in a pinch, I think it should be okay as long as the kid is not disruptive, like you said. Best of luck to you!!!!!
Omg I so need to win a copy of this book…i swear all of your post recently have been as if you were a fly on my wall…and with a new baby and breastfeedng and trying unsuccessfully to get him to take a bottle come September. I may have no choice but to bring him with me a few days…fingers crossed…
:/ i didn’t mean to leave two comments!!! i thought it didn’t post so I tried re-typing it! lol..oops!
OMG!… I was so nervous while reading your comments/review about Professor, May I Bring My Baby to Class? At the end of your post, I let out a big sigh of relief. I’m so happy you like the book and can relate to the stories. Yes, I’m the author…It took me over two years to write the book. I get goose bumps every time I hear it helped someone in their educational journey. Professor, May I Bring My Baby to Class? is all about inspiring young mothers to continue their education in spite of their circumstances. It’s about pushing pass the… “I think, I’ll try, I might,” to the “I know, I will, I can…” Remember, your decision to complete your education today will impact your children and future generations to come! I’d love to donate another four copies.
Warmly,
Sherrill W. Mosee
I really appreciate the advice! I’ve just recently started reading your blog, and it’s helped me to mentally prepare for life as a young parent and understand what I need to do to plan for Baby. Thanks so much!
I’ve done that before. Matter of fact I had my second daughter right at the end of the semester, and my professors wanted to give me a academic withdrawal for maternity. I was like “Naw, I’ll be back after delivery”, I went thru the whole semester just NOT to get a grade? Whatever… So sure enough, I bundled my snuggie bear (like 5 days old) up in blankets, feed her real good, had the breast milk pumped in a bottle, and off to class with a stroller we went. She was a newborn, so she didn’t make much of a fuss anyway. I made sure to sit in the back and wore my glasses so I can see the lecture board.
I was NOT playing