Law Students

Forget the Linen Closet: The Perpetually Pregnant Law Student

By Me and the Boys

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krichards.jpg

I was eight and a half months pregnant with our second child when I started law school.  And I was terrified.

 Add that to the fact that I was wait-listed and only allowed into the school three weeks before classes started, I did not feel like I belonged there. Needing reassurance, I called up the Dean of Student Services the day before orientation to inform her of my condition. (Translation: Is it actually okay for pregnant women to come to law school?)  My inquiry must have sounded something like, "I'm pregnant.... orientation.... due date..... um....?" The Dean, being a very kind woman, asked if I thought I would go into labor before orientation and would not be able to make it. Otherwise, she reassured me that it would not be a problem. Even taking time off to give birth would be just fine. (Oh, good.)

After I started classes, I realized that there were two other pregnant ladies in my class and that several women had been pregnant law students in the classes before me. In fact, my situation was not that spectacular. (Sigh of Relief!)

Because having this baby was imminent, I met with each of my professors individually to discuss how much class I would have to miss and how much time I would have to make up the work.

I was slow getting around and up the stairs, which made me late to a few classes.  I had to leave class a few times for much-needed bathroom breaks.  Sitting for hours in the hard plastic chairs was difficult, especially when the little guy inside me would settle underneath my ribs and push for more room. And, it being August in New Mexico, I was always, always hot.

Luckily (this time) the difficulties of being pregnant only lasted for my first two weeks of law school. I went into labor on a Tuesday, gave birth to my 10 lb. 7oz. baby boy and was able to rest over Labor Day Weekend before returning to school a week later.  My husband stays at home and was ready for the hand-off when I had to go back to school.  I even ended up making honor roll that semester.

Fast forward to August of my third year.

Full post as published by Ms. JD on April 15, 2010 (boomark / email).