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:
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.
Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide
This book offers a comprehensive approach to parenting that emphasizes emotional connection over control. Drawing from her personal experiences and extensive research, Eanes provides practical strategies for parents to foster empathy, respect, and understanding within the family unit. The guide addresses common challenges such as power struggles and emotional triggers, aiming to help parents build stronger, more harmonious relationships with their children.
The Gentle Discipline Book
This book offers respectful, effective strategies for guiding behaviour in toddlers and young children — without shouting, punishments, or rewards. Sarah Ockwell-Smith explains how to handle tantrums, defiance, aggression, and boundary-pushing with empathy, age-appropriate expectations, and calm consistency.
The Science of Parenting
This accessible guide draws on the latest neuroscience to explain how early experiences shape a child’s brain development. Margot Sunderland offers practical strategies for promoting emotional wellbeing, regulating behaviour, and building strong parent-child connections — all grounded in science and compassion.