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!)
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Browse Yvette’s recommendations:
Ourselves As Mothers: The Universal Experience of Motherhood
In this deeply reflective work, renowned anthropologist and birth advocate Sheila Kitzinger explores the emotional terrain of motherhood. Drawing on personal stories and cross-cultural perspectives, she weaves a narrative that honours the complexity of becoming and being a mother—beyond the practicalities and into the realms of identity, loss, love, and transformation.
Matrescence – Lucy Jones
In Matrescence, Lucy Jones delves into the profound transformation that women undergo during the transition to motherhood. Drawing parallels to adolescence, Jones explores how this period—marked by significant hormonal, neurological, and identity shifts—has been largely overlooked in scientific research and societal discourse. Combining personal narrative with interdisciplinary research, she sheds light on the complexities of becoming a mother and the societal structures that often fail to support this transition.
Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself
Drawing on Jungian psychology, mythology, and real-life case studies, this book explores the inner transformation women undergo in motherhood. Marchiano reframes challenges such as identity loss, fear, guilt, and ambivalence as opportunities for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth.
The Birth Space
Written by a birth doula and mother, this deeply personal and empowering book explores pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period as transformative rites of passage. With stories from diverse voices, it centres the emotional and spiritual experiences of birthing people alongside practical reflections and guidance. It includes space for journaling and self-reflection.
Nourishing Newborn Mothers
Written by an Australian postpartum doula and Ayurvedic practitioner, this book is a gentle invitation to honour the inner transformation of new motherhood. It weaves together ancient postpartum wisdom, modern insights, and a nourishing food philosophy that supports emotional healing and rest. The focus is not on baby care but on deeply caring for the mother — recognising her needs, emotions, and spiritual growth.