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:
The Evolved Nest
Drawing on anthropology, neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, Darcia Narvaez explores how our ancestral caregiving practices shaped human development — and what happens when modern life disrupts them. The book presents the “Evolved Nest” model, which includes practices like extended breastfeeding, constant physical closeness, alloparenting, and responsive caregiving, as vital to raising thriving children and healthy societies.
The Yes Brain Child
This empowering guide explores how to cultivate openness, resilience, and balance in children. Through the lens of brain science, Siegel and Bryson show how to encourage a “Yes Brain” mindset—flexible, curious, and emotionally aware—versus a “No Brain” state of fear and reactivity.
No-Drama Discipline
This insightful book reframes discipline as teaching, not punishment. Siegel and Bryson explain how to respond to misbehaviour with empathy and connection while guiding children to make better choices, all backed by neuroscience.
Parenting from the Inside Out
This pioneering book blends neuroscience and psychology to show how a parent’s self-understanding can profoundly shape their relationship with their child. By reflecting on one’s own childhood and emotional patterns, parents can become more attuned, responsive, and emotionally available.
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.