There was a rare chance to hear a world renowned obstetrician who visited Fife this weekend
Michel Odent, who revolutionised birth practices in the 1970s, was visiting the kingdom after being invited by the local breastfeeding support group La Leche League Fife and Tayside.
His lecture, A Turning Point in the History of Birth, attracted midwives and doctors from across Scotland.
Mr Odent, a member of La Leche League’s board of advisors, visited the Lochgelly Centre to discuss the history of birth, and how those involved in birth and the families they support can adapt within the unprecedented situations encountered in the modern day.
The obstetrician has had a hand in influencing that history in a career spanning 60 years.
He introduced the concept of home-like birth rooms and birth pools in maternity units.
He wrote the first articles on breastfeeding in the first hour following birth, the use of water in labour and birth, and the gate control theory of pain in obstetrics.
He is the author of 13 books published in 22 languages and created the primal health research database.
Later, he gave the keynote talk at the La Leche League members’ Scottish spring workshop.
La Leche League leader Hannah Dalgety said the organisation had been very fortunate and excited about welcoming Michel Odent, and raising the profile of its breastfeeding support services.
