Meet the Team
It is so lovely to have you here! Please, make yourself at home.
Hello! I'm Frances
Founder and CEO of Our Village Midwife, fellow mum to three boys, independent midwife, antenatal educator and hypnobirthing instructor. I am passionate about providing care that puts you and your family right at the centre.
​
I have been in the birth world for well over a decade and I have gained experience working across all NHS maternity settings. I was nominated as Community Midwife of the Year in 2024. However the desire for MORE has always been there: more time, more relationship, more physiology, more belief; and it was out of this that Our Village Midwife was born. I am now the most sought-after independent midwife in Kent.
I have spent most of my time supporting families to birth at home and I am an expert in physiological birth. I also have special interest in supporting 'out of guidance' births, whether that's because you've been told you have a high BMI, whether you're expecting twins or anything in-between.
I fundamentally believe in your body's ability to birth the baby you're growing. If you're not there yet, that's OK. You can always borrow some of my belief until you get there!
​
I believe that everyone should feel empowered with evidence-based information to make the decisions that are right for them. It is impossible to plan every little detail of your birth, but I believe that a positive birth experience comes from being supported and feeling heard, listened to and validated as well as being cared for by someone whom you trust and come to know.
" I am so grateful Frances was my midwife. I always felt fully heard, supported and never judged by Frances. She is such a wonderful person and can't recommend her enough."
- Gemma and Danny -
Hey! I'm Sarah
I have over 5 years of experience supporting families to breastfeed, as well as feeding my own two children. I am part of the infant feeding team in the hospital, breastfeeding counsellor for La Leche League and soon to be IBCLC (Lactation Consultant).
I had an awful breastfeeding start the first time round. I am *determined* to give everyone I see: thorough, compassionate, knowledgeable, personalised breastfeeding support.
I have to keep my breastfeeding knowledge up to date as part of my statement of commitment to be a breastfeeding counsellor. (I REALLY enjoy this.) My work on the infant feeding team has given me a wealth of perspective on positioning and attachment (I REALLY enjoy this too.)
My work as a breastfeeding counsellor takes me all the way from newly born babies to breastfeeding into childhood. So really.... ask me anything!!
I will work with you to find the most comfortable/effective positioning for breastfeeding - that is possible for you both. I will support you to recognise when your baby is swallowing milk effectively at the breast and discuss how breastfeeding works and what to expect in the early days/weeks. Feeding can be a really emotive time, so we'll have plenty time to talk about your feelings and to cheer you on. I'll also be able to signpost you to local groups, so that you can continue the good work.
I'm friendly, a great cheerleader (for you and your baby), good at trouble shooting, creative, passionate and calm.
