Michel Odent is a retired medical doctor. He was born in France in 1930 and studied medicine at Paris University. He is known for his role in the natural childbirth movement and for promoting water birth. Odent has stirred controversy at times by arguing that fathers should not be present at birth.[1]
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Odent did his initial training in general surgery,[2] and was in charge of the surgical unit and the maternity unit at the Pithiviers state hospital (1962–1985). He then practiced in London, and subsequently founded the Primal Health Research Centre.[3]. He does not hold specialist qualifications in surgery any more, nor is he listed in the EU-wide specialist register for general surgery.
Odent has published 50 scientific papers and 11 books which have been printed in 21 languages.
His more recent books include:
He has also written the foreword to the new edition of Childbirth Without Fear, by Grantly Dick-Read.