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:
Spilt Milk: Honest Breastfeeding Stories
Spilt Milk is a compelling anthology that brings together over 80 personal accounts of breastfeeding, collected by Elizabeth Yip—a retired midwife, nurse, and lactation consultant—and edited by Dani Malone. The book delves into the multifaceted experiences of mothers and non-birthing parents, offering narratives that span from the 1950s to the present day. These stories encompass a wide range of emotions and situations, including joy, struggle, perseverance, and the complexities of feeding journeys. The collection also includes reflections from fathers and partners, providing a holistic view of the breastfeeding experience.
Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History
In this compelling and deeply researched book, science journalist Florence Williams explores the biology, symbolism, and politics of breasts. Blending memoir, investigative journalism, and science writing, she examines everything from puberty to breastfeeding, environmental toxins to cancer risk, and the way breasts have been sexualised and commodified across cultures. The book invites readers to consider how modern life is reshaping our bodies — particularly the breasts — in ways that are often invisible yet profound.
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.
Breastfeeding and the Fourth Trimester
Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding
In Milk: An Intimate History of Breastfeeding, cultural historian Joanna Wolfarth delves into the multifaceted history of breastfeeding, intertwining personal narrative with extensive research. Prompted by her own challenges with breastfeeding her first child, Wolfarth explores how infant feeding has been represented, celebrated, and censured across different cultures and eras. She examines artifacts like ancient baby bottles, 18th-century breast pumps, and artistic depictions from various civilizations, providing a comprehensive look at the socio-cultural significance of breastfeeding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Gentle Eating Book
This reassuring and evidence-based guide offers a respectful approach to feeding babies, toddlers, and young children. Sarah Ockwell-Smith addresses common concerns — picky eating, food refusal, family mealtimes, weight worries — with empathy and science, helping parents raise competent, relaxed eaters without bribes, pressure, or power struggles.
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.
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.
Baby-Led Weaning
This influential guide introduces the concept of baby-led weaning — allowing babies to feed themselves solid foods from the start, rather than being spoon-fed purées. Rapley and Murkett explain how babies can safely explore food at their own pace, developing autonomy, coordination, and a healthy relationship with food through responsive, family-based mealtimes.