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:
Milk: A 10,000-Year Food Fracas
In this sweeping cultural history, Mark Kurlansky traces the story of milk across civilizations — from sacred food to industrial commodity. The book explores everything from wet nursing and human milk to dairy politics, formula marketing, and modern debates about health, culture, and ethics. With his signature blend of wit and scholarship, Kurlansky reveals just how political and personal milk really is.
Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding
In Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding, cultural historian Joanna Wolfarth delves into the multifaceted history of breastfeeding, intertwining personal narrative with extensive research. Prompted by her own challenges with breastfeeding her first child, Wolfarth explores how infant feeding has been represented, celebrated, and censured across different cultures and eras. She examines artifacts like ancient baby bottles, 18th-century breast pumps, and artistic depictions from various civilizations, providing a comprehensive look at the socio-cultural significance of breastfeeding.
Milk
In this compelling and wide-ranging exploration, Australian food writer and former chef Matthew Evans delves into the cultural, nutritional, ethical, and environmental history of milk. From breastmilk to dairy farms to plant-based alternatives, Milk invites readers to consider where milk comes from, who it serves, and at what cost.