Elsie Gayle

My Midwifery Career

I’ve spent many years working alongside women and birthing people through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period—across the NHS, in community settings, and in private practice. My focus has always been on evidence-informed, culturally safe care that keeps families at the centre.

My experiences eventually led me to establish Mimosa Midwives, a small team built around personalised support and continuity of care. 

Alongside practice, I’ve taught and mentored students and early-career midwives, helping them develop confidence, critical thinking, and a compassionate, ethical approach to their work.

The Work I Do Now

These days, my work brings together clinical support, education, and community engagement. I offer:

• One-to-one guidance during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period
• Antenatal education tailored to individual needs
• AquaNatal classes to support comfort, mobility, and wellbeing (starting later in 2026)
• Space for birth reflection and emotional support
• Outreach and culturally safe care for families who may face additional barriers within maternity services

Whatever form my support takes, I aim to offer warmth, calm, and clear information so families can make decisions that feel right for them.

My Campaigning & Advocacy

Much of my work also focuses on improving maternity care on a wider scale. I’m particularly committed to highlighting and addressing racial disparities, protecting birth rights, and ensuring that every parent has access to respectful, human-centred care.

I’m one of the voices behind Midwifery Conversations, a space for practitioners, researchers, students, and parents to come together and explore the realities of maternity care. Through conversation, community, and shared knowledge, we can move toward a system that truly serves all families.

Although I’m often described as a strong advocate, I hold this work with humility. I believe change happens when we listen deeply, learn from each other, and work collaboratively—always keeping the wellbeing of families at the heart of what we do.