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:
Birth And Breastfeeding: Rediscovering The Needs Of Women During Pregnancy And Childbirth
French obstetrician Michel Odent draws on decades of experience to explore how modern maternity practices interfere with women’s innate physiological processes during birth and breastfeeding. He explains how medicalised environments, stress, and lack of privacy can inhibit oxytocin — the hormone responsible for labour, bonding, and milk ejection — and argues for a return to instinctive, uninterrupted birthing and breastfeeding experiences. Odent’s writing is grounded in his research on primal health and his clinical innovations supporting undisturbed birth.
Breastfeeding Myths: Challenging Misconceptions and Cultural Beliefs
This accessible, evidence-based book by IBCLC Lucy Ruddle takes aim at some of the most persistent myths and misinformation surrounding breastfeeding. From ideas about supply and sleep to cultural beliefs that undermine confidence, Ruddle debunks common misconceptions with clarity and compassion. Her clinical experience is evident throughout, making it both informative and reassuring.
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.
Why the Politics of Breastfeeding Matter
In this updated and condensed version of her seminal work, Gabrielle Palmer explores how breastfeeding is deeply affected by economics, gender inequality, marketing, and public policy. With clarity and urgency, she outlines how global and local systems often work against breastfeeding success — and what must change to protect infant feeding rights.
The Big Letdown
In this bold and necessary book, Kimberly Seals Allers investigates how medicine, corporate interests, and even strands of feminism have shaped — and often undermined — breastfeeding in modern culture. Through a blend of investigative journalism, social commentary, and personal insight, she exposes the systems that fail breastfeeding families, particularly women of colour.
To Three and Beyond
This thoughtful and affirming collection brings together real-life stories from families who breastfeed into toddlerhood and the early childhood years. Janell E. Robisch curates a diverse range of experiences, reflecting the joys, challenges, humour, and deep connection that come with long-term breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Uncovered
This groundbreaking book explores the cultural, political, and psychological barriers that make breastfeeding harder than it needs to be. Dr. Amy Brown combines research with real-life stories to reveal how societal expectations, lack of support, and misinformation shape the breastfeeding experience. Her approach is compassionate, feminist, and deeply rooted in evidence.
Unlatched
Journalist Jennifer Grayson embarks on a personal and investigative journey to understand the decline of breastfeeding in modern society. Weaving memoir, science, history, and interviews, Unlatched explores how breastfeeding became controversial, how formula became normalized, and what’s been lost in the process — biologically, culturally, and emotionally.
Milk Matters
This extensively researched book explores the profound link between early infant feeding and long-term immune health. Maureen Minchin examines how infant formula, medical interventions, and disrupted microbiomes may contribute to the rise in allergies, autoimmune conditions, and chronic illness. She presents a compelling case for breastfeeding as a critical foundation for lifelong well-being.
Why Breastfeeding Matters
This short, accessible guide covers the biological, emotional, and societal reasons why breastfeeding remains important in the modern world. It dismantles myths and empowers parents with the knowledge to make informed choices.
Breastfeeding Older Children
This groundbreaking and often provocative book documents the realities of breastfeeding beyond babyhood — into the preschool and school-aged years. Drawing on in-depth interviews, cultural research, and personal experience, Ann Sinnott explores the physical, emotional, and societal aspects of nursing older children, while challenging deeply ingrained Western taboos.
Tandem Nursing – Hilary Flower
This comprehensive and reassuring book explores the experience of breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing after a new baby is born. Hilary Flower combines research, expert input, and dozens of personal stories to offer both practical guidance and emotional support to parents navigating this unique stage of the breastfeeding journey.
The Politics of Breastfeeding
This powerful and meticulously researched book reveals how global politics, economics, and marketing have shaped — and often undermined — breastfeeding practices. Gabrielle Palmer exposes the deep influence of the formula industry, challenges the myth of choice in feeding decisions, and calls for systemic change to protect and promote breastfeeding worldwide.