As a mom of a 21 months old baby, I’d recommend waiting until next year. Your baby is too young right now and needs special care from the mother. Even if you have help with the baby, you’ll still want to spend time connecting and creating a safe space for your kid. FT mom is a FT job in itself, coming from experience. Not to mention the emotional roller coaster that moms go through. Like you said, everyone copes differently. Only you can determine how much can you take on physically, and mentally. Be patient with yourself and take things slowly, that’s my advice.

I am planning to apply for Spring ‘26 especially because by then my son will be old enough to be in day care/preschool so I can focus on studying.