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:
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 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.
Touchpoints – T. Berry Brazelton
In this classic work of developmental pediatrics, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton outlines key “touchpoints” — predictable periods of regression and growth in a child’s early years. He offers compassionate, stage-by-stage guidance on everything from sleep and feeding to social and emotional milestones, all rooted in deep respect for the child-parent relationship.