Dr Michel Odent, the

French obstetrician who introduced birthing pools and home-like birthing rooms

to Europe's hospitals, will be visiting Bristol this December. He'll be

speaking with health professionals and parents to give his recommendations on

labour. The controversial author, whose views on men in the birthing room

featured in this week’s national press, has over 40 years experience, working

in Europe and across the globe. Michel Odent will be joined by his colleague,

'Doula of the Year' nominee Lilianna Lammers.

"We must remember the basic needs of a woman in labour."

         - Michel Odent,

lecturing in London, 31st January 2009

Michel Odent’s focus is

on women’s ability to birth babies. He says this means being in a comfortable

home-like space, free to move around and ideally supported by an experienced

female midwife/birth companion.

“Through this

event we will be raising awareness of the needs of women in pregnancy and

labour, plus raising funds for the Birth Centre Bristol campaign for new

midwifery-led, local centres.”

    - Emilie

Rowell, doula - motherslove

The talks will take place

on Wednesday 9th December 2009, at the Unitarian Chapel on Brunswick Square and

will deal with the use of water in labour, the role of the father and how best

to support labouring women. 10% of profits from the talk will go toward the

Birth Centre Bristol campaign, which aims to set up more local, midwife-led

birthing units across the city.

The talk was

organised by two local doulas (birth supporters) and antenatal educators,

Catherine Waters & Emilie Rowell.

It's an honour

to have Dr Odent come to Bristol to speak here in Bristol. Birth has been so

greatly over-medicalised, and he speaks so intelligently about the basic needs

of a birthing woman. He really is one of our most experienced living

obstetricians.

           

- Catherine Waters, doula - Relaxed Birth & Parenting

The morning professional

development session for those working with women in pregnancy and birth has already sold out, with professionals coming from across the region for this

special event. The afternoon session is aimed at parents, although all are

welcome.

Tickets are £27 - £40

from www.motherslove.co.uk.

Tickets for the parents’ session are also available from Born, 64 Gloucester

Road, Bristol.

There are some competiions and discount codes out there... (*hint - mumsnet)