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! (Thank goodness for the digital revolution!)
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Browse Yvette’s recommendations:
Breastfeeding, Take Two: Successful Breastfeeding the Second Time Around
This gentle, encouraging book is written for mothers who are preparing to breastfeed again after a challenging or disappointing first experience. Stephanie Casemore speaks directly to those carrying grief or frustration from their earlier journey, offering reassurance, reflection, and practical strategies for approaching breastfeeding differently the second time around. The tone is warm and empowering, with a strong focus on emotional healing and rebuilding confidence.
Breastfeeding Myths: Challenging Misconceptions and Cultural Beliefs
This accessible, evidence-based book by IBCLC Lucy Ruddle takes aim at some of the most persistent myths and misinformation surrounding breastfeeding. From ideas about supply and sleep to cultural beliefs that undermine confidence, Ruddle debunks common misconceptions with clarity and compassion. Her clinical experience is evident throughout, making it both informative and reassuring.
Breastfeeding and the Fourth Trimester
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.
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck
In Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck, health psychologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett offers a compassionate, evidence-based guide that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of breastfeeding. The book delves into topics often overlooked in traditional breastfeeding literature, such as the impact of breastfeeding on sleep, safe (and unsafe) bedsharing, and how infant sleep locations affect maternal mental health.
Breastfeeding: A Practical Guide
This comprehensive guide, published by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, offers over 200 pages of up-to-date information on breastfeeding. It combines scientific research with the collective wisdom of thousands of mothers, providing practical advice and support for parents throughout the first year of their baby's life.
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.
The Positive Breastfeeding Book
This evidence-based guide offers clear, accessible answers to the most common questions new parents have about breastfeeding. Dr. Amy Brown breaks down myths, shares up-to-date research, and provides practical support from pregnancy through weaning. The book empowers readers with information while keeping a reassuring, non-judgemental tone.
The Big Letdown
In this bold and necessary book, Kimberly Seals Allers investigates how medicine, corporate interests, and even strands of feminism have shaped — and often undermined — breastfeeding in modern culture. Through a blend of investigative journalism, social commentary, and personal insight, she exposes the systems that fail breastfeeding families, particularly women of colour.
To Three and Beyond
This thoughtful and affirming collection brings together real-life stories from families who breastfeed into toddlerhood and the early childhood years. Janell E. Robisch curates a diverse range of experiences, reflecting the joys, challenges, humour, and deep connection that come with long-term breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Uncovered
This groundbreaking book explores the cultural, political, and psychological barriers that make breastfeeding harder than it needs to be. Dr. Amy Brown combines research with real-life stories to reveal how societal expectations, lack of support, and misinformation shape the breastfeeding experience. Her approach is compassionate, feminist, and deeply rooted in evidence.
Breastfeeding Without Birthing
This groundbreaking guide supports non-gestational parents — including adoptive, intended, and LGBTQ+ parents — in inducing lactation or relactating to breastfeed or chestfeed. Alyssa Schnell, an IBCLC and adoptive mother herself, combines clinical guidance with emotional support and affirming language to walk families through the process with compassion and clarity.
Making More Milk
This practical, research-based guide is focused on understanding and increasing milk production. It covers the biology of lactation, common causes of low supply, and tailored strategies for building or restoring milk volume. The book empowers readers with knowledge about hormones, latch, milk removal, and supplementation options.
Tandem Nursing – Hilary Flower
This comprehensive and reassuring book explores the experience of breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing after a new baby is born. Hilary Flower combines research, expert input, and dozens of personal stories to offer both practical guidance and emotional support to parents navigating this unique stage of the breastfeeding journey.