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:
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.
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.
Untamed
This bestselling memoir explores the process of unlearning cultural conditioning and embracing one’s true self. Through stories of motherhood, identity, relationships, and personal transformation, Doyle challenges expectations placed on women — especially around being a “good mother” — and invites readers to trust their instincts and inner knowing.
Mothers and Others
In this landmark work, anthropologist and primatologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores how human cooperation — particularly in parenting — evolved. She argues that our species' survival depended not just on mothers, but on “alloparents”: grandparents, siblings, and community members who helped raise children. This shared caregiving fostered empathy, communication, and social intelligence — the roots of what makes us human.
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.
Buddhism for Mothers
Blending gentle wisdom with practical parenting, Buddhism for Mothers offers emotional support and mindful guidance for mothers seeking calm and connection in the chaos of early parenthood. Drawing from Buddhist principles — presence, compassion, acceptance, and non-attachment — Sarah Napthali writes with warmth and honesty about the real inner work of parenting.