Honoring gentle birth pioneer, Dr. Michel Odent.
Many have deep respect for Dr. Michel Odent and his groundbreaking contributions to childbirth. His work helped shape how we understand labor, birth, and the profound connection between mother and baby.
A Vision for Natural Birth
Michel Odent championed the idea that birth is a natural, physiological process that unfolds best when women feel safe, supported, and free from unnecessary intervention. He emphasized creating a calm, private environment, allowing women to trust their bodies and the instincts that guide labor.
The Power of Touch, Water, and Hormones
Dr. Odent highlighted the importance of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—in labor, bonding, and breastfeeding. He advocated for water births, gentle touch, and uninterrupted labor to help oxytocin flow naturally, fostering a peaceful and empowering birth experience.
Impact on Modern Midwifery
Odent’s research and philosophy have inspired midwives worldwide to prioritize physiological birth, emotional safety, and evidence-based practices that honor the mother’s autonomy. His work reminds us that every birth is unique and that trusting the natural process often leads to the healthiest outcomes for both mother and baby.
In Gratitude
With his passing, we honor Michel Odent as a physician, researcher, and visionary who helped shift the focus of childbirth from procedures to empowerment, respect, and connection. His legacy lives on in every birth that values the mother’s body, instincts, and the sacred moment of meeting a new life.