Nursing in Class

by Kristi Roth

When I made the decision to pursue my doctoral degree, I was advised by all the professors that to finish with a family it would take a really long time, lots of commitment, and strain on my marriage. I had one son at the time, a very strong marriage, and LOTS of drive so I decided to go for it.

The first semester was a breeze. We then chose to extend our family and I quickly became pregnant. Juggling morning sickness, a
2 year old and final exams was challenging to say the least. As I neared the end of my pregnancy I began to think about how I would continue to balance school and family, as I was committed to breastfeeding, but required to be on the go for school.

I gave birth during a week-long school break and had thus far only missed one class meeting. I decided in the hospital that I would explain to the faculty the importance of my schooling, and the simple fact that I am the food source and therefore need to have my baby with me at all times.

Daniel began classes when he was 5 days old. With amazement, I watched as my professors and my fellow students embraced us whenever we were at school. We had a baby swing set up in the classroom and a never-ending supply of open arms. I often kept him in the sling at school so he could nurse on the go - 'fast food' at its best!

As new classes rolled around, and introductions were in order, I would nonchalantly introduce myself and Daniel, and inform all to expect to see nursing in action while in class. We have had many guest speakers, all who grinned at seeing a baby in Graduate School. I have gotten so good at nursing in public that one guest gently stroked Daniel's head, commenting on what a precious little one I had, never realizing that he was happily latched.

Daniel is 8 months old now. The baby swing has been replaced by toys strewn across the classroom as he begins his adventures in crawling. I chuckled as a recent class debate on pedagogy practices in higher education evolved into methods of childproofing a university classroom.

I recently received a Departmental Outstanding Doctoral Student Award. I am proud to say that at the presentation ceremony, with an attendance of approximately 60 people, including the Dean of our College, I sat at the center table with Daniel, nursing him as needed.