According to Danielle Martin, who along with Katrina Kittler has established Joyous Birth Central West Group, there is a growing need within the community to provide alternatives to hospital births.

“The public health system is having ongoing problems and people need to know that going to a hospital is not the only option,” said Ms Martin.

According to Ms Martin, home birthing is an option that more and more women are considering, with at least five pregnant local women due to deliver their baby in their own home with the help of a midwife and/or a doula (birthing assistant).

Mrs Kittler said she would like to spread the word that choosing a home birth is in most cases an extremely “safe option”.

“Initially we’ll be having monthly meetings and if demand increases then they will become more frequent,” she said.

Apart from women interested in home birthing Joyous Birth Central West Group will also welcome people who are planning to conceive, mothers with babies and other people wishing to have support following a traumatic birthing experience.

According to Ms Martin anyone who believes in attachment parenting will also be welcome.

“We encourage mothers to parent according to the mother’s natural instincts and the child’s needs,” she said.

Joyous Birth is having its first Central West meeting on November 21. Anyone seeking more information of Joyous Birth can look at the organisation’s website on www.joyousbirth.info.