John H. Kennell (January 9, 1922 – August 29, 2013) was a doctor of pediatrics and researcher known for his work in maternal bonding during childbirth and support of doulas.
[1] In 1952, Kennell moved to Cleveland as attending pediatrician in the neonatal unit of Case Western Reserve University Hospital.
The research came under criticism with opponents citing the inherent problems studying human behavior and claiming that the improved bonding effect is small and limited.
This research led to many hospitals to change their procedures to give new parents time with their infants, allow partners in the delivery room, and the baby's siblings to visit.
[2][4] During Kennell's studies of maternal-infant bonding in the 1980s, he also noticed shorter labors when a female research assistant supported the women during delivery.