🌿 November Study Spiral 2025

Peace on Earth Begins at Birth — Honouring the Work and Legacy of Michel Odent

For our November study spiral, we gather to dedicate our time and attention to the profound teachings of Michel Odent (1930–2025), the grandfather of the True Midwifery space. His life’s work illuminated a simple yet world-shaping truth:

“To change the world, we must change the way babies are being born.” — Michel Odent

Michel reminded us that the circumstances of birth leave an indelible imprint — on the mother, on the baby, and on humanity as a whole. When birth unfolds in love, safety, and oxytocin, it nurtures beings who carry love, connection, and belonging into the world. When birth is marked by violence or disconnection, its imprint ripples through lives and societies.

As guardians of birth, we carry a responsibility to honour and protect the basic needs of women in labour and their babies, for in doing so, we protect the future of humanity itself. In Michel’s words:

“…it will be a turning point in the history of humanity and therefore in the history of mankind.”

This Spiral will be a space of reflection, exploration, and deep honouring — an opportunity to embody and assimilate the simple yet radical message at the heart of Michel’s work.

Facilitated by:

Ruth Ehrhardt, mother of the True Midwifery space, traditional midwife, writer, and birth attendant from South Africa. Ruth was both a student and friend of Michel Odent and has carried his teachings into her own life’s work, including The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour, translated into more than 15 languages. She continues to write, teach, and hold space for women and families worldwide.

Clara Scropetta has been Michel Odent’s interpreter and translator in Italy since 2007, as well as the organizer of many of his workshops and events. She is the author of Accanto alla madre (“At the Side of Mothers,” available in Italian) and brings over twenty years of experience as a doula and birthkeeper. Clara is also a mother and continues to accompany women and families with deep care and presence.

📅 Thursday, November 27, 2025
🕚 11am – 2pm SAST
🔗 True Midwifery Study Spirals