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:

Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
Good Inside is a compassionate and practical parenting guide written by clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy. Known for her warm, relatable approach, Dr. Becky empowers parents to see both themselves and their children as inherently good — even during the most challenging moments. The book blends evidence-based insights with concrete tools to help families navigate big feelings, difficult behaviors, and everyday struggles, all while building strong, trusting relationships.

Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice
In Punishment-Free Parenting, Laura Linn Knight offers a practical and compassionate guide to raising children without resorting to punishment, yelling, or threats. Grounded in neuroscience and emotional regulation, the book helps parents shift from reactive patterns to connection-based strategies. Rather than trying to control behaviour, Knight shows how to support children’s development through calm presence, clear boundaries, and co-regulation.

The Perfectly Imperfect Family: Real Solutions for Mindful Parents Navigating Today’s Biggest Challenges
The Perfectly Imperfect Family is a thoughtful and encouraging guide for parents striving to raise emotionally resilient, mindful children in the face of today’s complex challenges. With a gentle and supportive tone, Ameneh K. Bakhtiar addresses topics such as screen time, school stress, identity, mental health, and the overwhelm of modern life. The book focuses on realistic, compassion-based parenting that recognises the impossibility of perfection and the importance of connection.

The Secure Attachment Parenting Book: How to Raise a Connected Child
This book offers a thoughtful and accessible introduction to secure attachment parenting. Grounded in current developmental science and written in a friendly, encouraging tone, Kristen Harding provides a practical guide for parents who want to raise emotionally connected children through attuned, responsive care. It serves as both a philosophy and a toolkit, making it a great resource for those new to gentle parenting or seeking reassurance about the choices they’re making.

Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children
This foundational text from the co-founders of Attachment Parenting International outlines eight core principles for parenting with empathy, respect, and deep connection. Attached at the Heart weaves together research, practical suggestions, and personal reflections to offer a roadmap for nurturing secure relationships with children from infancy through to adolescence. Rather than offering a rigid program, it invites parents to trust their instincts and make responsive choices that honour both child and parent.

Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
This book presents a compassionate, evidence-based guide to breastfeeding, structured around seven “natural laws” that reflect the biological and instinctive behaviors of mothers and babies. The authors, both experienced lactation consultants, provide practical advice to help mothers initiate and sustain breastfeeding, addressing common challenges and offering solutions grounded in current research.

The Wonder Weeks
This popular book outlines ten predictable developmental “leaps” in the first 20 months of a baby’s life. Each leap is associated with cognitive growth and often coincides with periods of fussiness, sleep changes, and clinginess. The authors offer insight into how babies experience the world as their brains develop new abilities.

There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids
In this part memoir, part parenting manifesto, Swedish-born journalist Linda Åkeson McGurk explores the Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv — open-air living — and how it shapes childhood in Scandinavia. Contrasting this with her experiences of parenting in the U.S., she advocates for outdoor play, fewer structured activities, and trust in children’s natural rhythms.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
In this groundbreaking book, Richard Louv introduces the concept of “nature-deficit disorder” — the growing disconnect between children and the natural world. Drawing on research from education, health, and environmental studies, he explores how outdoor play supports physical, emotional, and cognitive development, and offers solutions to rekindle children’s relationship with nature.

The Fourth Trimester: Understanding, Protecting, and Nurturing an Infant Through the First Three Months
Journalist Susan Brink approaches the newborn period through a scientific and developmental lens, describing the first three months as a “fourth trimester” — an extension of gestation. Drawing on research in neuroscience, anthropology, and paediatrics, she shows why newborns thrive on closeness, responsiveness, and warmth, and why conventional advice around feeding schedules, sleep training, or early independence is often at odds with biology.

Milk: A Local and Global History
This scholarly yet accessible book traces the rich and complex history of milk from ancient times to the modern era. Deborah Valenze delves into milk’s evolving cultural, nutritional, spiritual, and political roles across different societies and historical periods. From early religious symbolism to industrialised dairying and infant feeding practices, Milk uncovers how this once sacred substance became a global commodity — and a site of fierce debate and control.

Breastfeeding: Empowering Parents
This compact but information-rich book distills decades of clinical experience into a practical and empowering guide to breastfeeding. With clear explanations, myth-busting facts, and strong advocacy for parental confidence, Dr Newman reinforces the normalcy of breastfeeding and the importance of skilled support.

Your Baby's Microbiome: The Critical Role of Vaginal Birth and Breastfeeding for Lifelong Health
This compelling book explores the emerging science of the human microbiome and how the earliest moments of a baby's life—particularly birth and breastfeeding—lay the foundations for lifelong health. Harman and Wakeford draw from interviews with leading scientists to highlight the importance of seeding a baby’s microbiome through vaginal birth and nourishing it through breastmilk.

Milk It: Everything You Need to Know About Breastfeeding: Advice, solutions & self-care for every parent
Written by a lactation consultant with a warm, inclusive voice, this practical guide supports parents through the emotional and physical ups and downs of breastfeeding. It combines evidence-based information with personal anecdotes and real-world tips, including advice for mixed feeding, self-care, and finding support.

Breastfeeding: Biocultural Perspectives
This edited collection brings together anthropologists, biologists, and cultural researchers to explore breastfeeding as both a biological process and a cultural act. Covering a wide range of topics—from evolutionary biology and public health to cross-cultural feeding practices—it encourages readers to question dominant norms and rethink infant feeding through a broad, interdisciplinary lens.

Do Not Disturb: The Benefits of Relaxed Parenting for You and Your Child
This gentle and reassuring book encourages parents to slow down, tune in, and trust their instincts. Deborah Jackson explores how modern parenting culture has become increasingly intrusive and performance-driven, and she invites families to instead embrace a calmer, more connected approach grounded in presence and respect.

Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way
Written with warmth and personal insight, this book blends memoir and parenting guide. Mayim Bialik shares her journey as a mother practising attachment parenting, offering both practical advice and reflections on the philosophies that shaped her choices—from gentle discipline and co-sleeping to breastfeeding and babywearing.

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting
This book offers a clear, practical framework for parents who want to move away from reactive, punitive approaches and build a more connected, cooperative relationship with their children. Dr. Laura Markham introduces three core ideas: regulating yourself as a parent (self-awareness and emotional management), connecting with your child (building trust and emotional safety), and coaching rather than controlling (guiding instead of punishing).
The book blends neuroscience, developmental psychology, and gentle parenting strategies in an accessible, encouraging style.

The Secure Attachment Parenting Book: How to Raise a Connected Child
This book offers a thoughtful and accessible introduction to secure attachment parenting. Grounded in current developmental science and written in a friendly, encouraging tone, Kristen Harding provides a practical guide for parents who want to raise emotionally connected children through attuned, responsive care. It serves as both a philosophy and a toolkit, making it a great resource for those new to gentle parenting or seeking reassurance about the choices they’re making.

Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children
This is a beautifully written, deeply grounded guide for parents who want to raise emotionally resilient, empathetic children without relying on punitive discipline. Drawing from trauma-informed practice, the latest neuroscience, and decades of experience in emotional support work, Lael Stone and Dr. Marion Rose offer a heartfelt and practical approach to parenting that centres connection, healing, and compassion. The book weaves together real-life stories, tools for emotional regulation, and insights into the parent–child relationship.