Yvette O’Dowd has been a passionate reader since childhood and her first pregnancy in the 1980s saw her consuming the local library collections of books about pregnancy and childbirth, child development and infant and child care. Having ignited a life-long interest in these subjects, Yvette went on to work in 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 evolution to audio and digital formats has limted the physical space required somewhat!
Below you will find Yvette’s recommended titles
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Hunt, Gather, Parent
Science journalist Michaeleen Doucleff travels the world with her young daughter, learning from Indigenous communities in Mexico, the Arctic, and Tanzania. These parents raise calm, confident, cooperative children — without yelling, bribes, or punishments. Doucleff distills their ancient, intuitive parenting methods and contrasts them with modern Western approaches, offering accessible tools for everyday family life.
The Evolved Nest
Drawing on anthropology, neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, Darcia Narvaez explores how our ancestral caregiving practices shaped human development — and what happens when modern life disrupts them. The book presents the “Evolved Nest” model, which includes practices like extended breastfeeding, constant physical closeness, alloparenting, and responsive caregiving, as vital to raising thriving children and healthy societies.
The Yes Brain Child
This empowering guide explores how to cultivate openness, resilience, and balance in children. Through the lens of brain science, Siegel and Bryson show how to encourage a “Yes Brain” mindset—flexible, curious, and emotionally aware—versus a “No Brain” state of fear and reactivity.
Unconditional Parenting
In Unconditional Parenting, educator and author Alfie Kohn challenges traditional approaches to discipline and behaviour management. He argues that rewards and punishments — including praise — can undermine a child’s intrinsic motivation and sense of self. Instead, he advocates for parenting based on unconditional love, respect, and thoughtful guidance.
Parenting from the Inside Out
This pioneering book blends neuroscience and psychology to show how a parent’s self-understanding can profoundly shape their relationship with their child. By reflecting on one’s own childhood and emotional patterns, parents can become more attuned, responsive, and emotionally available.