From Norland Nanny to Sleep Specialist: My Journey to Supporting Your Family
Over the years, my career has evolved in ways I could never have fully predicted. Yet, looking back, one fundamental truth has always remained the same: I always knew my life’s work would be dedicated to children and the families who raise them.
If you are a parent navigating the beautiful, exhausting, and often overwhelming world of early parenthood, I want to share a bit about who I am, where I’ve been, and how my journey has led me to help families just like yours find their rhythm and their sleep.
The Foundation: Where Passion Met Training
My journey truly began when I was accepted into Norland College. For anyone in the
childcare world, Norland represents the gold standard of training, and I felt incredibly lucky to study there. It provided me with an ironclad foundation in early years development, practical childcare, and family support.
However, during my time at Norland, a specific passion began to take hold. While I loved working with children of all ages, I found myself drawn completely to the baby and newborn stage.
There is something profoundly sacred about those intense, emotional, and life-changing early months. It is a time of immense joy, but also vulnerability for parents. I realised early on that my true calling wasn't just caring for babies; it was supporting the entire family unit as they navigated this massive transition.
From London to Australia: Learning the Realities of Postpartum Life
After qualifying, I spent valuable time working as a nanny for a wonderful young family, honing my skills in the real world. But my desire to learn and expand my horizons eventually took me across the globe to Australia.
Down Under, I shifted my focus to working as a non-medical Maternity Practitioner. This chapter of my career was transformative. Spending my days and nights supporting families during the critical first 12 weeks postpartum gave me invaluable, hands-on experience. I lived the realities of early parenthood alongside my clients, deepening my understanding of:
The nuances of newborn care
How to establish gentle, age-appropriate routines
The emotional rollercoaster of the fourth trimester
Most importantly, it taught me that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to a baby. Every family is beautifully unique.
Returning to Scotland: Bringing Sleep and Reassurance Home
When I finally returned home to Scotland, I wanted to bring that wealth of international experience to local families. I began offering dedicated overnight support to parents who were craving practical help, a bit of rest, and a lot of reassurance during those hazy early months.
During these overnight shifts, I saw firsthand how deeply sleep deprivation impacts a family’s well-being. It was here that my work naturally evolved to include safe, healthy sleep habits and evidence-based sleep hygiene.
Where I Am Today: A Holistic Approach to Early Parenthood
That entire journey, from the lecture halls of Norland to the night shifts in Australia and Scotland, has naturally led me to where I am today with Sarah Carpenter Sleep.
Today, my practice is built on a unique blend of two core services:
Hands-on Postpartum Support: Providing practical care, routine guidance, and reassurance in those very first weeks after birth.
Evidence-Based Sleep Hygiene and Routine Support: Helping babies over 5 months (and their tired parents) establish healthy, sustainable sleep habits.
What started years ago as a simple love for childcare has grown into a career built around empathy, deep experience, and realistic, responsive guidance. I don’t believe in rigid rules; I believe in listening to you, understanding your baby, and working together to bring peace and predictability back to your home.
Let’s Team Up
Whether you are expecting a newborn and want to set yourself up for a smooth postpartum period, or you are currently rocking a 6-month-old at 3:00 AM wondering if you’ll ever sleep again, I am here for you.
Explore my services or reach out today to book a discovery call. Let’s get your family the rest you all deserve.
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