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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Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself
Drawing on Jungian psychology, mythology, and real-life case studies, this book explores the inner transformation women undergo in motherhood. Marchiano reframes challenges such as identity loss, fear, guilt, and ambivalence as opportunities for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
Village for Mama
Part recipe book, part postpartum care guide, this beautifully presented resource encourages a village-based approach to supporting mothers after birth. It includes simple, warming meals, and encourages families to gather practical help in the form of food and presence. Designed by a postpartum doula and nutritionist, it honours rest, softness, and nourishment — without pushing bounce-back culture or rigid expectations.
The Birth Space
Written by a birth doula and mother, this deeply personal and empowering book explores pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period as transformative rites of passage. With stories from diverse voices, it centres the emotional and spiritual experiences of birthing people alongside practical reflections and guidance. It includes space for journaling and self-reflection.
The Second Baby Book
This warm, practical guide supports families preparing for — or adjusting to — life with two children. It covers pregnancy, birth, sibling transitions, divided attention, guilt, and rebuilding routines with calm and compassion.
The Fourth Trimester
This book reframes the postpartum period as a vital rite of passage deserving of deep rest, support, and nourishment. Kimberly Ann Johnson — a doula, bodyworker, and somatic educator — brings together traditional wisdom and modern understanding of nervous system health, trauma, and relationships. It offers compassionate, embodied guidance for navigating physical recovery, emotional shifts, and identity transformation in the early months of mothering.
The Gentle Parenting Book
This foundational guide introduces the principles of gentle parenting from birth to age seven. Sarah Ockwell-Smith explains how to build strong connections, set kind boundaries, and meet children's emotional needs with empathy and respect. Covering everything from tantrums to play, it helps parents raise emotionally resilient, confident kids without punishment or control.
Nourishing Newborn Mothers
Written by an Australian postpartum doula and Ayurvedic practitioner, this book is a gentle invitation to honour the inner transformation of new motherhood. It weaves together ancient postpartum wisdom, modern insights, and a nourishing food philosophy that supports emotional healing and rest. The focus is not on baby care but on deeply caring for the mother — recognising her needs, emotions, and spiritual growth.
The First Forty Days
Rooted in the Chinese tradition of “zuo yuezi” (sitting the month), this book offers a gentle, respectful approach to postpartum care. It blends storytelling, cultural wisdom, and over 60 nutrient-dense recipes to support a mother's physical and emotional recovery. The tone is reverent and nurturing, focused on warmth, rest, and being cared for by others during this critical transition.
Buddhism for Mothers
Blending gentle wisdom with practical parenting, Buddhism for Mothers offers emotional support and mindful guidance for mothers seeking calm and connection in the chaos of early parenthood. Drawing from Buddhist principles — presence, compassion, acceptance, and non-attachment — Sarah Napthali writes with warmth and honesty about the real inner work of parenting.