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:
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 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 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.