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!

Beloved Burden: Baby Carriers in Different Countries
Yvette ODowd Yvette ODowd

Beloved Burden: Baby Carriers in Different Countries

Beloved Burden is a beautifully illustrated and globally researched celebration of carrying infants—a richly layered tribute to how human cultures around the world honor this essential practice. Edited by Itie van Hout, the book gives readers a sweeping historical and cultural tour of slings, baskets, wraps, and improvised carriers, from Inuit amauti to Indonesian baskets and European shawls. With compelling photo essays and scholarly commentary, it highlights babywearing as a universal human tradition deeply wired into our biology and social fabric.

Read More
A Baby Wants to Be Carried
Yvette ODowd Yvette ODowd

A Baby Wants to Be Carried

Originally published in German and translated into English, this book offers a scientific and anthropological exploration of why human babies are biologically adapted to being carried. Evelin Kirkilionis draws on evolutionary biology, developmental psychology, and cross-cultural research to argue that carrying is not a parenting “style,” but a human norm.

Read More
Babywearing: The Benefits and Beauty of This Ancient Tradition
Yvette ODowd Yvette ODowd

Babywearing: The Benefits and Beauty of This Ancient Tradition

This is one of the earliest modern books to really lay out the science and heart behind babywearing in a way that feels both grounded and reassuring. Written by Dr Maria Blois, a mother, pediatrician and sociologist, it weaves together research, cultural history, and personal stories to explain why carrying babies is not just practical — it’s biologically and emotionally important. The tone is calm, supportive, and thoughtful, with an emphasis on how babywearing benefits not just the baby, but the whole caregiving relationship. From soothing newborns to supporting development, the book gently explores the reasons this age-old practice continues to matter today.

Read More
Why Babywearing Matters
Yvette ODowd Yvette ODowd

Why Babywearing Matters

A foundational text on carrying babies, this book weaves together neuroscience, psychology, culture, and lived experience. Dr Rosie Knowles, a GP and passionate babywearing advocate, explains how carrying supports physical and emotional development, strengthens attachment, and fosters parental confidence — all while being practical and accessible.

Read More
The Attachment Parenting Book
Yvette ODowd Yvette ODowd

The Attachment Parenting Book

This book introduces the core principles of attachment parenting in an accessible, supportive format. It outlines the "7 Baby B's" — birth bonding, breastfeeding, babywearing, bedding close to baby, belief in the language value of your baby’s cry, beware of baby trainers, and balance — as foundational tools for building secure attachment. The authors emphasize flexibility, parental intuition, and emotional connection.

Read More
Our Babies, Ourselves – Meredith Small
Yvette ODowd Yvette ODowd

Our Babies, Ourselves – Meredith Small

Anthropologist Meredith Small examines how human infants are raised in cultures around the world — and how deeply biology and culture intertwine in shaping parenting practices. From co-sleeping to feeding to soothing, she shows that what we consider “normal” in parenting is far from universal. Instead, parenting is a reflection of social values, economic systems, and evolutionary history.

Read More