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!)
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. Stay tuned for review soon!
Browse Yvette’s recommendations:
Letting Go As Children Grow
This warm and insightful book examines the often emotional and complex journey of giving children increasing independence. Deborah Jackson explores how we can support our children’s growing autonomy while maintaining strong, connected relationships through each stage of development — from babyhood through to adolescence.
Three in the Bed: The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Children
This thoughtful book explores the cultural, emotional, and biological reasons why families throughout history and around the world have shared sleep. Deborah Jackson draws on anthropological insight, parenting experiences, and scientific evidence to advocate for co-sleeping as a natural, nurturing, and safe choice when done responsibly.
Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter
This deeply compassionate book explores the emotional impact of breastfeeding experiences that don’t go to plan. Dr. Amy Brown gives voice to the grief, guilt, anger, and confusion many parents feel when faced with unexpected challenges, early weaning, or lack of support. Through evidence and empathy, she validates those emotions and outlines a path toward healing.
Because I Said So
In this thoughtful and accessible book, Sarah Ockwell-Smith dismantles traditional authoritarian parenting methods, arguing for a shift toward connection-based, emotionally intelligent approaches. She explores the origins of obedience-focused parenting, its long-term effects, and offers practical tools for raising confident, cooperative children without coercion.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.