Michel Odent

This book reveals how giving birth is an inherently safe, relatively painless process that is best performed without the assistance of doctors or midwives, and how confidence and a positive attitude reduces fear—and therefore the pain—of labor. According to Laura Kaplan Shanley, a renowned leader in the natural-birth movement, human birth is inherently safe and relatively painless—provided we refrain from physical or psychological interference. The problems often associated with birth can be traced to three main factors: poverty, unnecessary medical intervention, and fear. When these causes are eliminated, most women can give birth either alone or with the help of a partner, friends, or family. This second edition of Unassisted Childbirth leads with a history of childbirth and then describes how most deliveries occur today, detailing why these processes don't serve mothers or babies. The information in this unique book gives women yet another legitimate choice in childbirth that doesn't rely on doctors and technology, and allows parents, birth professionals, and general readers to reexamine their most basic ideas about birth and learn to think in new ways.

In her book, midwife Ruth Ehrhardt very simply explores, as the title suggests, how the basic needs of labouring women can be met. It takes into consideration the subtle effect environmental factors have on labour and what those attending births need to be aware of. Drawing on the work of Michel Odent, it focuses quite plainly on the physiology of labour, childbirth and postpartum. This book is aimed at pregnant mothers as well as those attending births, whether in the capacity as caregiver (doctor, midwife, doula) or partner." To bring together what is important in such a small number of pages is a feat. I hope that, on the five continents, all pregnant women, midwives, doulas, doctors, etc. will take the time to assimilate the contents of this chef d'oeuvre: it will be a turning point in the history of childbirth and therefore in the history of mankind." - Michel Odent

In recent years there have been exciting scientific discoveries about a hormone whose amazing role in the human body has long been neglected. Oxytocin is the powerful hormone involved in bonding, sex, and childbirth, as well as in relaxation and feelings of calm. It is the mirror image of the stress hormone adrenaline, which triggers the ‘fight or flight’ systems in the body. Much has been written about the latter, but the many-sided importance of oxytocin is at this point known only to those working in obstetrics and physiology and to some psychiatrists. The Oxytocin Factor is the first book to reveal the importance of the whole oxytocin system for a general audience. Both the new research findings and the potentially beneficial applications of this hormone in reducing anxiety states, stress, addictions, and problems of childbirth are fascinating and of great significance in all our lives.

'Fetus ejection reflex', 'milk ejection reflex', 'sperm ejection reflex', 'orgasmogenic cocktail'... These are examples of terms used by Michel Odent in his study of the ecstatic/orgasmic states associated with different episodes of human sexual life. This book about male and female orgasms is an opportunity to convince anyone that humanity is at a turning point. Due to the improved technique of medically assisted conceptions and cesareans, the advances in anesthesiology and pharmacology, and the development of the food industry, women can now conceive a baby, give birth and feed their infant without relying on the release of 'cocktails of love hormones'. Human intelligence and ingenuity have made love hormones redundant. Let us think long-term and let us raise questions in terms of civilization. The future of humanity is at stake.

Michel Odent, the leading pioneer for natural childbirth, indicates that the period between conception and a child's first birthday is critical to life-long health. In this prophetic book - first published in 1986 and reproduced here in its original form - he argues that different parts of the 'primal adaptive system' develop, regulate and adjust themselves during foetal life and the time around birth and infancy. 'Everything which happens during this period of dependence on the mother has an influence on this basic state of health, this primal health.' He suggests that the later well-being of adults, their ability to withstand the 'diseases of civilization' such as hypertension, cancer, alcoholism and failures of the immune system resulting in AIDS, allergies and viral diseases, can all be traced back to society's ignorance of the vital importance of the primal period. Since the first edition of this groundbreaking work, research has continued apace, offering further evidence to substantiate Odent's ideas. In the important new "Introduction and Postscript", the author reviews recent developments and relates them to the central themes of Primal Health. This book is essential reading for all who care about the health of our children and the ongoing health of society as a whole.

Until recently a woman could not have had a baby without releasing a complex cocktail of 'love hormones'. Most women give birth without relying on the release of such a flow of hormones. Some give birth via caesarean section, while others use drugs. Humanity, the author argues stands at crossroads in the history of childbirth.

How did a magnificent rescue operation become such a common way of giving birth? And how safe is it really? Why do some countries have 10 per cent of caesarian births, and some more than 50 per cent? Why have risky procedures, such as forceps deliveries, not been eliminated by the C-section? What is the birthing pool test? What are the very first microbes met by a caesarean-born baby? Is it easy to breastfeed after a caesarean? Why are different approaches taken to scheduled C-sections, C-sections during labour, and emergency C-sections? What do mother and baby miss out on by not sharing a vaginal birth? What do we know about the long-term consequences of being born by caesarean? What do we know about the long-term consequences of giving birth by caesarean? What is the future of the 'a la carte'C-section? What is the future of a civilisation born by caesarean? Having been involved in half a century of the history of the caesarean, Dr Michel Odent is uniquely and authoritatively equipped to deal with these vital and urgent questions.

Love has been the realm of poets, artists and philosophers throughout history until recently, where it has been studied from a number of scientific perspectives. What the scientists are missing, argues Odent, is that love is vital as a strategy for the survival of the human race. Aggression and domination are no longer what we need to have an evolutionary advantage - what we need is the capacity to love. With a foreword by Miriam Stoppard, the author weaves together data from a multitude of disciplines and is able to offer a number of insightful and exciting explanations and makes the case for the adoption of radical new strategies for human survival. With maternal love as the prototype for all types of love, Odent examines the short, but critical time just after birth which has long-term consequences for our future capacity to love. The author looks at love holistically and in terms of the hormones which affect it in different parts of life, helping us to understand the conflict between civilisation and the natural state of the human race. Originally published in 1999, revised in 2001, and now re-released in paperback for 2014, this controversial and fascinating book by the world renowned Michel Odent is still truly groundbreaking.