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:
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting
This book offers a clear, practical framework for parents who want to move away from reactive, punitive approaches and build a more connected, cooperative relationship with their children. Dr. Laura Markham introduces three core ideas: regulating yourself as a parent (self-awareness and emotional management), connecting with your child (building trust and emotional safety), and coaching rather than controlling (guiding instead of punishing).
The book blends neuroscience, developmental psychology, and gentle parenting strategies in an accessible, encouraging style.
Parenting for a Peaceful World
This book explores how child-rearing practices throughout history have shaped societies and major world events. Robin Grille argues that safeguarding children's emotional development is key to creating a more peaceful and harmonious world. Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and history, the book examines the impact of different parenting styles on individuals and societies.
Playful Parenting
Playful Parenting presents an approach to parenting that emphasizes the use of play to build strong, connected relationships between parents and children. Lawrence J. Cohen, a clinical psychologist specializing in children's play and play therapy, argues that play is a fundamental way for children to express themselves, process emotions, and connect with others. The book offers practical strategies for parents to engage with their children through play, helping to address behavioral challenges, foster emotional resilience, and strengthen the parent-child bond.
Heart to Heart Parenting
This book offers a compassionate guide to nurturing children's emotional intelligence from conception through the early school years. Robin Grille, an Australian psychologist and parenting educator, emphasizes the importance of deep connection and empathy in parenting. He provides insights into understanding children's emotional needs and offers practical strategies for building strong, respectful relationships without resorting to punishment or manipulation.
Three in the Bed: The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Children
This thoughtful book explores the cultural, emotional, and biological reasons why families throughout history and around the world have shared sleep. Deborah Jackson draws on anthropological insight, parenting experiences, and scientific evidence to advocate for co-sleeping as a natural, nurturing, and safe choice when done responsibly.
Breastfeeding, Take Two: Successful Breastfeeding the Second Time Around
This gentle, encouraging book is written for mothers who are preparing to breastfeed again after a challenging or disappointing first experience. Stephanie Casemore speaks directly to those carrying grief or frustration from their earlier journey, offering reassurance, reflection, and practical strategies for approaching breastfeeding differently the second time around. The tone is warm and empowering, with a strong focus on emotional healing and rebuilding confidence.
How Babies Sleep
This evidence-based guide challenges common myths about infant sleep and explains how and why babies sleep the way they do. Professor Helen Ball combines research from anthropology, biology, and parenting to offer realistic expectations and respectful support for families.
Let’s Talk About Your New Baby’s Sleep
In this compassionate and evidence-based book, paediatric nurse and IBCLC Lyndsey Hookway gently unpacks the realities of infant sleep. She challenges myths, reassures parents that frequent waking is normal, and offers practical strategies grounded in responsive care. The book also addresses parental wellbeing, safe sleep environments, and how to tune into your baby’s needs.
Hunt, Gather, Parent
Science journalist Michaeleen Doucleff travels the world with her young daughter, learning from Indigenous communities in Mexico, the Arctic, and Tanzania. These parents raise calm, confident, cooperative children — without yelling, bribes, or punishments. Doucleff distills their ancient, intuitive parenting methods and contrasts them with modern Western approaches, offering accessible tools for everyday family life.
Safe Infant Sleep
Written by a pioneering anthropologist and sleep researcher, this book explores the biological and cultural roots of infant sleep. McKenna explains the science behind cosleeping and breastfeeding, dismantling myths and promoting informed, family-centred choices.
The Gentle Parenting Book
This foundational guide introduces the principles of gentle parenting from birth to age seven. Sarah Ockwell-Smith explains how to build strong connections, set kind boundaries, and meet children's emotional needs with empathy and respect. Covering everything from tantrums to play, it helps parents raise emotionally resilient, confident kids without punishment or control.
The Discontented Little Baby Book
This evidence-based guide challenges common myths about infant sleep and explains how and why babies sleep the way they do. Professor Helen Ball combines research from anthropology, biology, and parenting to offer realistic expectations and respectful support for families.
Sweet Sleep – La Leche League International
This comprehensive book supports breastfeeding families in understanding infant sleep, with a strong focus on safe bedsharing practices. It blends practical advice, real stories, and evidence-based research to help families sleep more peacefully while protecting the breastfeeding relationship.
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.
Touchpoints – T. Berry Brazelton
In this classic work of developmental pediatrics, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton outlines key “touchpoints” — predictable periods of regression and growth in a child’s early years. He offers compassionate, stage-by-stage guidance on everything from sleep and feeding to social and emotional milestones, all rooted in deep respect for the child-parent relationship.
Our Babies, Ourselves – Meredith Small
Anthropologist Meredith Small examines how human infants are raised in cultures around the world — and how deeply biology and culture intertwine in shaping parenting practices. From co-sleeping to feeding to soothing, she shows that what we consider “normal” in parenting is far from universal. Instead, parenting is a reflection of social values, economic systems, and evolutionary history.