Women shouldn't have to choose between motherhood and higher education

Here's how we can help new mothers who want to go back to school

A baby and a mortarboard.
(Image credit: Illustrated | JBryson/iStock, Michael Burrell/iStock)

The other night, I had a strange dream. I was back in college, toting books from classroom to classroom. But in this particular dream, my baby girl was also with me, and I was desperately looking — to no avail — for a private space to nurse her between classes.

The dream reminded me that motherhood often closes certain doors, and is extremely difficult in certain spaces. Its time constraints and responsibilities can make it difficult to pursue certain careers, or to procure certain degrees. But many women want to break down these barriers, and find the means to pursue higher education while still embracing motherhood.

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Gracy Olmstead

Gracy Olmstead is a writer and journalist located outside Washington, D.C. She's written for The American Conservative, National Review, The Federalist, and The Washington Times, among others.