Finding a professional doula, or birth assistant, was no easy task as Orange only has one to service the needs of pregnant women in the region.

Popular throughout the world, the trend is only just starting to gain popularity in Australia.

Mrs Hall said: “Having read a lot of books and stories about people who have used doulas, I was very keen to try it myself.

“I have always been against having too much intervention so I’ll work with the doula to see if I can avoid using pain relief.

“Also the idea of being able to have someone by my side the whole time during the birth really appealed to me.”

Although only halfway through the Australian Doula College’s 20-week training course, Danielle Martin has already had four pregnant women sign her on to assist them during their birth.

Ms Martin charges $750 for her service and this includes pre-natal and post-natal care as well as her participation in the birth.

“I don’t offer medical advice,” said Ms Martin.

“I walk women through their fears, the myths of childbirth, and I encourage a range of methods for having an active birth.”

Many women also believe fathers can become more active at the birth with the help of a doula.

Ms Martin said: “I encourage the father to be more involved. At times many of them feel uncomfortable and don’t know what to do.”

“It doesn’t have to be the situation where the woman is yelling ‘you bastard you did this to me’.”

With the extra confidence of a doula by her side, Mrs Hall and her husband have also chosen to employ the services of a midwife who will help deliver their baby in a birthing pool in the family’s lounge room.

As there are no private midwives in Orange to help with home births, Mrs Hall is hiring one from outside the region.

The use of a private midwife will cost the Halls more than $3,000 although a limited number of health insurance companies will help cover this cost.

“I feel that if there is such a thing as a serene way to give birth then this will be serene,” said Mrs Hall.

When she goes into labour, the local hospital will be notified in case they need to accommodate her in an emergency.