Taranaki's first doula - a non-medical person who supports a woman in labour - has a passion for educating women on the importance of emotional and physical support during labour.
Carol Burroughs is recently qualified in the role and is now holding workshops to educate parents-to-be about how they can have an empowering birth experience.
A doula is paid to provide emotional and physical help to women and their partners before, during and after childbirth.
Carol - who has eight children aged between 12 and 27 - says she loves the role and feels passionate about teaching women techniques to help them overcome the fear, pain and uncertainty of birth.
"Part of me always wanted to be a midwife but I will be 55 this year so rather than spending three years becoming a midwife, this is something I can do. I really enjoy helping people and feel a lot of empathy with women. It's my passion to empower people.
"I think I just have a real passion to encourage people because there is a lot of fear and anxiety out there. It's amazing - it's not just a medical event - it's really empowering."
Carol is certified with Dona International and has attended five births so far.
"I like helping people and feeling useful and like being able to connect with women. I'm not just coming to watch you brush your teeth - it's an honour to be there and I just love the trust that is there between people."
She says women need to know they don't have to walk into hospital looking for an epidural as there were so many other ways they can be prepared to have a safe birth. She helps her clients learn techniques to deal with pain, fear and anxiety through Birthing with Passion workshops.
Part of the workshops includes role-playing the effect on adrenalin and the way it affects and stops labour. She talks about how using music, affirmations and props like pictures and other home comforts such as duvets and pillows can help. Carol says the aim is to help the mother create a "nesting space" to help them relax and promote higher levels of oxytocin (the hormone responsible for uterine contractions). She also demonstrates hands-on techniques to help women focus, breathe and vocalise effectively.
Her focus is with the mother or mother and partner, depending on how much involvement the partners want. She says partners play an important role in birth and she is there to guide them and give them a break if needed.
"Bringing your child into the world is a journey only you can take, but I will be with you every step of the way."
Carol's next Birthing With Passion Workshop is being held at the Rumpus Room, New Plymouth on May 2 at 10.30am. For more information contact Carol, carol@freedombirths.co.nz