Navigating motherhood and academia:A new mom's journey at the university

This is young student at Chuka University whose journey defies stereotypes and inspires others to pursue their aspirations despite the society's expectations. Her journey began when she discovered that she was pregnant on her second year in university. She was faced with the challenge of balancing between motherhood and academics. 

She recalls that initially it was difficult because she did not know how to manage the demands of being a mother and still remain focused on her studies but she was able to find the strength and motivation she needed from her child to keep going.

There are some of challenges that she faced that also other new mothers faced but she was able to get through it by finding ways to cope. Some of the challenges are financial challenges, postpartum depression, lack of enough sleep and time management.

Postpartum is a critical period of adjustment and recovery for mothers. Physically, one experiences pain, fatigue and hormonal fluctuations because their bodies are healing from childbirth.

Postpartum can bring about a rollercoaster of feelings ranging from joy and love to anxiety, sadness and depression. Taking care of a newborn takes a lot of time and energy which leads to deprivation of sleep can increase these emotions which leaves mothers overwhelmed and very vulnerable. Also, pressure from society to except to quickly return to pre-pregnancy routines and appearances adds more pressure the new mom.

It is important for new mothers to get support from the society.

Time management is one of major challenges as taking care of a child is requires full attention day and night hence it leaves little time to focus for academics. Lack of enough sleep affects concentration in class which makes it difficult to focus on school work. It also affects how you carry out day to day tasks which will not be done effectively.

Financial challenge is a concern as the cost of dippers, baby food and other necessities that child may need is high hence one cannot be able to afford everything because there might not be a reliable source of income. It might reach a stage whereby a mom might consider leaving school for a while to find a job in order to provide for the child.

With adequate support systems in place such as flexible classes and affordable child care it will help new moms to balance their roles as moms and student effectively. 

At Chuka University there is a group named Learning Mothers whose aim is to support and encourage new moms at the university. The hold meetings regularly to check on each other how they are faring on and if there are any challenges or questions related to taking care of a child, they offer help. Also, the group reminds them that being a mother is not a limitation but a source of strength and you can still achieve your academic dreams. There is nothing difficult just challenging. There is always a solution.