This just came to my attention from another blog, and I thought it would be a good topic of conversation for the parenting “wing” of this blog.
There is a new doll on the market that, instead of drinking a bottle, breastfeeds. Read more here on the breastfeeding dolly.
So, thoughts anyone?
Having nursed all five of my children, and feeling very much like a breastfeeding advocate because of it, I am intrigued by the concept of a doll that, instead of coming with a bottle and pacifier, insists on breastfeeding. That said, many parents around the world are apparently up in arms over possible repercussions, such as the possibility that maternal instincts will kick in early, and we’ll see a rise in early pregnancies because of these dolls.
I guess you can take it as far as you want, but the fact of the matter is, because I was a breastfeeding mama, the siblings of the infant or toddler being breastfed, very often the next child up, would frequently pretend to “breastfeed” his or her doll or stuffed animal, as the case may be, while I nursed the baby. And far from finding this strange or disconcerting, I thought it sweet when I would catch them feeding their “babies” like mommy was feeding hers.
I think, as is so often the case, it comes down to the parents and how they might relay this topic to their children. And it comes down to us challenging ourselves regarding our portrayal of breasts. Think of the Hooters billboards on so many major thoroughfares throughout our fair American cities, and then think of what breasts were truly designed for, and you’ll understand what I’m trying to say here.
I guess, in the end, my kids never needed a dolly that actually made the sucking noises of a nursing baby. All they needed was their imagination, which did the job just fine for them. And, I maintain, it was the most endearing thing in the world to see.
Would you buy a breastfeeding doll for your child or grandchild? Why, or why not? Come on. Don’t be shy!
I’m with you on breastfeeding, Roxane. I was breastfeeding Momma extraordinare–I even nursed both of my twins, at the same time! And I remember as my girls got older and I had more babies, that they would pretend to nurse too. They don’t any more. They all play with the bottles that come in the package and sometimes I wonder what that will promote in their minds about caring for their own babies some day. I’m not sure that I would specifically buy that new doll since they can pretend with any doll, but it might help them view nursing as a natural and good thing, nothing to be embarassed about. Good question!
As a breastfeeding advocate myself, I have to wonder about purchasing a doll. I agree that kids only need their imaginations to understand how babies eat and as you say, what breast are truly made for. I plan to nurse all of my children (future children, that is) as I nursed our first. Great post-looking forward to other comments.
Not being a mom, I don’t feel quite qualified to comment with any authority here. While I do advocate breast feeding, it’s unlikely that I’d purchase a doll like this for children. I agree with previous posters – they can pretend with any doll.
But I’m not really stopping by today to discuss milk, but lemonade! I’ve awarded Peace Garden Mama a Premio Limonada 50 You can “pick it up” at:
http://www.crphotography.us/valerie
Val, thanks for stopping by. Having heard the mention of lemonade and milk in one sentence, I can’t help but think of an old childhood chant, which I’d rather not repeat “out loud” here. Just couldn’t not mention it. I look forward to receiving your gift — heading there now to retrieve it and be refreshed. Thanks!
(Ha! I know which chant you are chanting.) I saw this doll on TV this morning and, no, I don’t think I would purchase it. I was a nurser myself, but — I really don’t know — this just seems like it adds to the pressure . . . to grow up, to have breasts, to nurse in general. If you want to pretend that you’re nursing mommy,okay, but let’s not force the issue. And, fine, I’ll just be honest. Call me tainted by my culture, it just looked a little odd to have this little, fully dressed girl holding the sucking dolly up to her chest.)
Okay, I promise I did not see this topic on your blog before I just wrote my post!!! I was out surfing the net for breastfeeding topics in honor of breastfeeding awareness week and came across it. Just wanted to let you know. 🙂
Secondly, I would not buy this doll for my kids, primarily because it seems to mechanical and not a natural representation of a nursing doll. As I mentioned on my blog post, I’d much rather continue to support my children as they naturally “pretend play” with their other dolls, lifting their shirts and nursing. They don’t need special halter tops and “flowers” for breasts. It’s just a bit too contrived.
🙂 Missy