Michel Odent, MD, was in charge of the surgical and maternity units at the Pithiviers state hospital in France during the years 1962-1985. For many years he was the only doctor in charge of around 1,000 yearly births. He is the author of the first article in medical literature about the use of birthing pools (Lancet, 1983), the first article about the initiation of lactation during the hour following birth (1977), and the first article applying the ‘Gate Control Theory of Pain’ to obstetrics (1975).

He coined the term ‘hormone of love’ when mentioning oxytocin. He created the Primal Health Research database, and has been a member of the Professional Advisory Board of La Leche League International for some 40 years. Michel Odent is Visiting Professor at the Odessa National Medical University and Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Brasilia. His many books include Birth and Breastfeeding and Primal Health.