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Throughout my own journey — navigating life’s milestones and deepening my interest in women’s health across the lifespan — I’ve spent countless hours reading, researching, and listening to books that help us better understand our bodies, minds, and experiences.
Here are seven titles that have stood out. Each one has challenged assumptions, taught me something new, and offered practical, empowering insights — from intimacy and pelvic pain to parenting and menopause. (And yes, the list could easily be longer.)
Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski
This book is a myth-busting, science-backed guide to female sexuality. Nagoski helps readers understand their personal “accelerators” and “brakes” — the factors that influence desire. Whether your libido feels mismatched with your partner’s or has shifted through different life phases, this book offers validation and knowledge to reconnect with your sexual self.
Birth Skills – Juju Sundin
My go-to practical guide for managing pain in labour. Sundin walks through techniques like movement, distraction, and vocalisation — giving you a toolkit to use at home, on the way to hospital, and during birth. It’s also a brilliant cheat sheet for birth partners who want to support effectively.
Beyond the Birth Plan – Rhea Dempsey
For those wanting a deeper dive into labour and birth, this book explores the emotional, psychological, and cultural dimensions of childbirth. Dempsey, a midwife, challenges the medicalised model and encourages emotional readiness — making it a powerful read for anyone preparing for birth beyond just logistics.
Mothering Our Boys – Maggie Dent
If you’re a fellow boy mum wondering “why on earth are you doing that?” — this one’s for you. Dent explains how boys are wired differently and highlights the importance of maternal connection in their development. Her tone is light-hearted and practical, and she has other titles for different ages and genders if you’re parenting beyond boys.
The Whole-Brain Child – Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
This book helped me understand how children’s brains develop and how that affects behaviour. It’s full of practical strategies and scripts for managing emotional outbursts, conflict, and tricky moments. A great resource for navigating parenting with empathy and neuroscience in mind.
Healing Pelvic Pain – Dr Peta Wright
Written by a Brisbane-based gynaecologist, this book takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to pelvic pain. Wright challenges conventional models and empowers women to explore the physical, emotional, and hormonal contributors to pain. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking deeper understanding and compassionate care in this space.
The Menopause Moment – Dr Kelly Casperson
My newest addition — and a bold, empowering read for anyone entering midlife. Casperson blends science and storytelling to explain how hormones shape our health, and what happens when they decline. It’s a brilliant resource for staying informed, proactive, and confident as we age.
We’d love to hear what’s inspired you. Jump onto our socials @allwomenshealth and share your favourite women’s health read — let’s keep the knowledge flowing.
