How I Juggled My Masters Degree with a Toddler, Pregnancy and a Newborn

When I started my Masters, my son was 16 months old and I felt confident stepping into this new chapter. He was becoming more independent, and with my course running just one day a week, I figured I could manage the new life of a researcher alongside motherhood. Little did I know, I was pregnant again! The vision I had for my postgraduate studies shifted almost instantly and I had to find new ways to complete my work, apply for opportunities and stay connected with my cohort with the clock ticking down to my due date.

Because my Masters at the University of the Arts London runs over two years, I had to think carefully about what balance would look like, not just through pregnancy, but through postpartum, the newborn stage and beyond!

As I (quietly) type this, I’m holding my 4-month-old daughter while my toddler sleeps in the next room. This blog is for all mums-to-be so you feel empowered to study as, I believe, it doesn’t get easier… just different.

#1 Adjust your mindset

Accept that your experience will look different from most people on your course. It’ll free you from the FOMO of classmates going to extracurricular activities, late events or in-person meetups, while you might be at home with your family or waiting for your newborn to arrive.

It’s easy to think about deferring, taking a break or even stopping altogether but I want to challenge you to see your situation as a superpower.

Balancing pregnancy, while preparing for the move from one child to two, pushed me to lean fully into a ‘work when I can’ mindset. That means leaving the ‘perfect study setup’ behind and writing on sofas, at kitchen tables and in waiting rooms. If I got a few minutes, I would take out my phone or laptop to read, make notes or continue my research. I let my life influence my work rather than fight against it.

A digital calendar is essential for me at this stage. I block out recurring commitments like nursery drop offs and pick ups, routine appointments and self-care. Keeping a monthly overview supports this so nothing catches me off guard. Trust me, this saves you from ending up like me — writing two 4,000-word essays in one week. Not fun. I would not recommend it.

#2 Get support

You don’t have to go through the experience alone, even if you can manage it.

University resources helped me massively. I was able to get an extension for submitting my research essay as my deadline fell around my due date. This way I was able to submit once I’d adjusted and recovered from birth.

My university also offered academic support tutorials, where I met with someone remotely, who helped me plan essays, applications and research priorities. These sessions gave me reassurance that I’m moving forward even during chaotic seasons (and flu season, IYKYK).

I also received access to quiet spaces for pumping and breastfeeding and additional lift access when pelvic pain made mobility difficult.

I was open about my pregnancy early (around 12 weeks) which meant classes were provided remotely, or recorded, when antenatal appointments clashed with teaching. This was an absolute lifesaver for not falling behind on seminars and group readings. My university also allowed me to attend classes from the first year again, especially if they aligned closely with my research topic.

Outside university, I leant on friends and family who were kind enough to prepare freezer meals, entertain my toddler and support me when I needed to attend online classes or get some writing done.

Support isn’t just academic, it’s also practical and emotional.

#3 Silence the noise

If I had a pound for every time someone’s face dropped when they discovered I was studying while pregnant (and now with a baby!) I’d have enough to cover my tuition fees!

People told me to “wait another year,” “go once the kids are older” or simply quit. These comments shook me at first but they left my mind quickly once I remembered my why. My studying and research exploration is for my children. The time spent away from them will pay off. I want them to see me pursuing my goals, not shrinking back from them.

Surround yourself with positive content such as books, podcasts and videos. I often watch study vlogs or meal-prep videos while working to keep motivated and feel less alone.

#4 Set boundaries

I do most of my work during the week, including evenings after the children go to bed. But weekends are sacred. I’m fully present with my family, and I step away from research and applications. That balance keeps me grounded and stops me spiralling into burnout which, as a tired mother, can happen at the drop of a hat.

At home, my phone goes on Do Not Disturb when I’m working. One cry from a baby can derail everything so limiting distractions and noise really matters. I know what’s important and what isn’t. I also keep reminding myself: my children come first and my education is for them, not in spite of them.

#5 You can do it all… just not all at the same time

One of the biggest truths motherhood has taught me is this: you can do it all, just not all at once.

Being a mum is choosing what matters most that day and giving yourself permission to shift.

Some days studying will take centre stage. You’ll be focused, productive and fully your academic self. And that’s okay.

On other days, your children will need you entirely. You’ll be knee deep in play, song and dance, or sickness will hit and the house will demand your attention. On days like that, being a mum will be the thing that matters most. That’s also okay.

Motherhood is about trusting yourself to know which version of you needs to show up and what side needs to rest. Allow yourself to fly between your different roles: the researcher, the creative, the mother, the partner and the person who also needs rest. None of these roles cancel out the others. They build a fuller, richer you who isn’t resentful.

You’re not failing when you shift your attention. You’re responding to what matters. And that flexibility is your strength.

Shaneika Asare Simms is a mother/artist and full-time MRes student at the Central Saint Martins College of Art, University of the Arts London. Her research and moving-image work explores autotheory, Blackness, and the politics of visibility within digital culture. She has a website you can visit to find out more.

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