Description: Odent, the leading pioneer for natural childbirth, indicates that the period between conception and a child's first birthday is critical to lifelong health. In this prophetic book, first published in 1986, Odent argues that different parts of the "primal adaptive system" develop, regulate and adjust themselves during fetal life and the time around birth and infancy. Everything that happens during this period of dependence on the mother has an influence on this primal health.
The author suggests that the later well-being of adults, and their ability to withstand 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. This book is essential reading for all who care about the health of our children and the ongoing health of society as a whole.Brief description: Michel Odent, MD, was in charge of the surgical and maternity units at the Pithiviers state hospital in France between 1962 to 1985. For many years he was the only doctor in charge of a thousand yearly births. He coined the term hormone of love in connection with 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 forty years. Michel Odent is Visiting Professor at the Odessa National Medical University and Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Brasilia. He is the author of numerous articles and books.