Shannon - 27

Having to choose between 2 hours sleep after a night shift, making time to study or spending money on childcare.

Shannon Murphy-Noyce is at university studying to be a paramedic. After getting pregnant in her first year, she paused her studies, not convinced that she'd ever be able to go back. She resumed her studies when her son was 4 months old.

"As a student, I don't qualify for government free childcare, so I have to choose between spending money on childcare, sleeping after a night shift and studying."