Book Reviews
Yvette O’Dowd has been a passionate reader since childhood. Her first pregnancy in the early 1980s saw her consuming the local library collection of books about pregnancy, childbirth, child development and child care. Having ignited a life-long interest in these subjects, Yvette went on to work at Merrily Merrily Enterprises [the retail arm of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia (now known as The Australian Breastfeeding Association)] from 1995 - 2000. This included the recommendation and sale of books on breastfeeding and human lactation, parenting and related titles to both parents and health professionals.
From 2008 - 2013, Yvette ran The Breastfeeding Centre In Dandenong, Victoria - the Victorian Branch Office of the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Here she curated and maintained an extensive library of books available to both members and volunteers. When establishing the Southern Natural Parenting Network in 2014, Yvette had a vision of a collection of books available to members and the wider community, establishing a community library on wheels available at meets and events. Yvette’ family are resigned to her extensive personal collection, however the invention of audio and digital formats has limited the physical space required somewhat!
Yvette also has a passion for children’s books - particularly picture books - and her collection expanded as her family has. Books for children about babies are of particular interest.
Browse Yvette’s recommendations:
The Nurture Revolution
Neuroscientist and doula Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum offers a compelling case for the power of nurtured parenting in shaping the developing brain. Drawing on the latest research in epigenetics and neuroplasticity, she explains how love, touch, responsiveness, and emotional attunement in the first 1,000 days of life can profoundly impact a child’s lifelong wellbeing.
Matrescence – Lucy Jones
In Matrescence, Lucy Jones delves into the profound transformation that women undergo during the transition to motherhood. Drawing parallels to adolescence, Jones explores how this period—marked by significant hormonal, neurological, and identity shifts—has been largely overlooked in scientific research and societal discourse. Combining personal narrative with interdisciplinary research, she sheds light on the complexities of becoming a mother and the societal structures that often fail to support this transition.
Healing Breastfeeding Grief
This gentle and compassionate book explores the emotional impact of difficult or disrupted breastfeeding experiences. Hilary Jacobson offers validation, healing practices, and space for parents to process grief related to unmet breastfeeding goals. Through storytelling, self-reflection, and guided exercises, the book supports emotional recovery and reconnection.