Dr Helen Manning

I chose Obstetrics and Gynaecology because I love the constant challenge the work brings. The dynamic and varied patients I see from birth through to older age means I never get bored and can always learn something new.

I get to share some of the most precious and some of the hardest moments in people’s lives, which is an honour and a privilege that I never take for granted.

I love showing women just how strong they can be. When they are tired and feel like they have nothing left to give, it’s amazing to see them beaming with pride when they realise they’ve done it.

You couldn’t ask for a more rewarding career than this but it takes hard work and dedication. Identifying a trusted mentor or colleague is absolutely essential to preserve your own mental health. We are human and many of our experiences are deeply emotional but we need to be able to use these experiences to inform the next. Having that support for yourself means you can continue to grow.

Be kind to yourself and take the small wins. Set achievable goals for the day like getting outside, even just for ten minutes every day. Don’t let the mums whose babies sleep through the night get you down. All children will sleep in the end and while the days are long the years are very fast. Above all just enjoy your baby; they grow up too fast!

I will never forget the first birth I was involved in as a medical student in England. Clearly it had its mark on me as I knew from then on that I wanted to follow this path. What made it so special was having the opportunity to get the know the couple during their labour and then see their son as they sent me pictures over the years.