I’m a paediatric doctor, but my job means I may never have children of my own

As a non-consultant hospital doctor and a woman in her early 30s, when I try to picture the next five years and where starting a family might fit into that, I feel overwhelmed 

Dr Niamh Conlon is a paediatrics non-consultant hospital doctor.

I have attended hundreds of births. As a paediatrics non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD), I have witnessed that unique and magical moment when a parent meets their newborn baby more times than I can count. 

For me, the experience represents both great privilege and great responsibility. Mostly, I am able to maintain a certain emotional distance from the event. I busy myself checking the equipment, making sure that I am prepared for all eventualities.