Stone midwife Gem Sharman has been named Private Midwife of the Year for Central England for the second year running, as she prepares to launch a new monthly feeding support group for local families.
Gem, who runs Day One Midwife alongside her NHS midwifery work, has received the 2026/27 title in the Prestige Awards.
A Little Bit of Stone reported her previous award win in June, following a nomination from a family she had supported.
Gem said
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition again. Supporting families through what can be a challenging time means a great deal to me.”
Gem has worked in maternity services for 21 years and provides private home visits supporting parents with infant feeding, tongue-tie assessments and treatment where appropriate.
Her practice, Day One Midwife, is registered with the Care Quality Commission, and she continues to work within the NHS alongside running the business.
Home appointments typically last between one and two hours, allowing time for feeding assessments, treatment where needed and discussions about any concerns parents may have.
Gem is also studying towards the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant qualification to further develop her specialist knowledge of infant feeding.
New feeding support group coming to Stone
Alongside her latest award, Gem is launching The Feed, a monthly group bringing together professional feeding support and an opportunity for parents to meet others with young babies.
The first session will take place on Monday 30 November 2026, from 10am to 12pm, at The Orangery at Stone Day Nursery, based at The Mount on Stafford Road.
The group is open to families whether they breastfeed, bottle feed with formula or expressed milk, or use a combination.
Gem said
“I wanted to bring professional feeding support and the reassurance of meeting other parents together in one relaxed space. Whether parents breastfeed, bottle feed with formula or expressed milk, or use a combination, everyone is welcome to settle in over a brew and a biscuit.”
Sessions will feature a different guest professional each month, offering advice and introducing parents to other local activities and services.
Fliss from The Little Sensory Co will attend the first session with a Little Glow taster, while Mini First Aid is lined up for December.
Gem says the group is intended for parents experiencing feeding difficulties, those who have overcome earlier challenges and families whose feeding experiences have been straightforward.
The Feed will usually meet on the last Monday of each month, although December’s session will take place earlier, on Monday 21 December.
Tickets cost £4.95 per session, with places limited to 20 and advance booking required.
Booking for the first session opens on Saturday 31 October at dayonemidwife.com/the-feed.
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