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:
Informed is Best: How to Spot Fake News about Your Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
This book offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the vast array of information surrounding pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. Amy Brown, a professor of public health, provides readers with tools to critically evaluate the credibility of various sources, understand research methodologies, and make informed decisions that align with their individual needs and values. The book emphasizes the importance of discerning evidence-based information from misinformation, empowering parents to trust their judgment in the face of conflicting advice.
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck
In Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck, health psychologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett offers a compassionate, evidence-based guide that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of breastfeeding. The book delves into topics often overlooked in traditional breastfeeding literature, such as the impact of breastfeeding on sleep, safe (and unsafe) bedsharing, and how infant sleep locations affect maternal mental health.
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.
Hunt, Gather, Parent
Science journalist Michaeleen Doucleff travels the world with her young daughter, learning from Indigenous communities in Mexico, the Arctic, and Tanzania. These parents raise calm, confident, cooperative children — without yelling, bribes, or punishments. Doucleff distills their ancient, intuitive parenting methods and contrasts them with modern Western approaches, offering accessible tools for everyday family life.
Why Your Baby’s Sleep Matters
This compact and informative book offers an evidence-based, gentle perspective on infant sleep. Ockwell-Smith explains why babies sleep the way they do and helps parents understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to respond compassionately.
Breastfeeding: A Practical Guide
This comprehensive guide, published by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, offers over 200 pages of up-to-date information on breastfeeding. It combines scientific research with the collective wisdom of thousands of mothers, providing practical advice and support for parents throughout the first year of their baby's life.
Safe Infant Sleep
Written by a pioneering anthropologist and sleep researcher, this book explores the biological and cultural roots of infant sleep. McKenna explains the science behind cosleeping and breastfeeding, dismantling myths and promoting informed, family-centred choices.
Food-Sensitive Babies
This practical and empathetic guide supports parents whose babies react negatively to foods through breastmilk or formula. Joyce Whiting offers clear information on symptoms, elimination diets, allergy and intolerance testing, and the emotional toll of caring for a food-sensitive baby. Her tone is warm, supportive, and rooted in lived experience.
The Positive Breastfeeding Book
This evidence-based guide offers clear, accessible answers to the most common questions new parents have about breastfeeding. Dr. Amy Brown breaks down myths, shares up-to-date research, and provides practical support from pregnancy through weaning. The book empowers readers with information while keeping a reassuring, non-judgemental tone.
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.
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.
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.
What’s Going On In There? – Lise Eliot
Neuroscientist and mother Lise Eliot offers an in-depth exploration of how a child’s brain develops from conception through age five. Covering everything from language acquisition to emotional regulation, this detailed yet accessible book blends cutting-edge science with relatable examples for parents and caregivers.