Dr Jini Mandapati

There are so many reasons I chose to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology!  I love supporting women throughout their lifetime and love the continuity of care that the speciality provides.  My job allows me to care for families, teach doctors-in-training, and advocate for women in my community.  From a medical perspective, there is a huge variety in my day-to-day work – consulting, teaching, operating, and birthing babies –  which keeps things interesting!

Obstetricians and midwives have the immense privilege of caring for women during what is hopefully one of the most joyous times of their lives.  Our patients allow and trust us to be part of one of their most intimate experiences – birthing a child and becoming parents.  I love learning about what is important to each of my patients and their partners, and helping them to have the birth experience and become parents in the way that is right for them. 

The days can be long, and the nights longer (!).  The good days are incredible, and the bad days can nearly break you.  Don’t do it unless you can’t imagine doing anything else, and be sure to build a network of trusted mentors and supportive colleagues.  I think that practicing obstetrics and gynaecology provides a fulfilment that few vocations do.  I think it’s the best job in the world.

Just go with it and be kind to yourself.  The first 12 weeks are the hardest.  Don’t be afraid to spend as much time as you want or need to just feeding and holding your baby.  They all sleep and eat eventually!

I have had the privilege of caring for women who come to see me after having experienced loss in previous pregnancies.  Helping support these women, physically and emotionally, through their pregnancy, and being there for the birth of their rainbow baby is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.