So I was not planning to post this morning, but I just had to get something off my chest (no pun intended). You may have heard by now of the imminent U.S. release of the Breast Milk Baby Doll. It’s a baby that…. wait for it… breastfeeds!
See it here:
Now let me be clear, I breastfed all 3 of my babies, two of them for 8 months and one for a full year. I wholeheartedly advocate it when its possible, but understand its a personal choice for every mom… and that’s totally fine with me.
This morning I saw a facebook post from my local news station about this doll. There were only a few comments, but all were negative. Of course, I felt the need to contribute and here is what I said:
“Not sure why anyone would be offended by this. Children mimic what they see anyway. I nursed all 3 of my kids and the older ones were always ‘nursing’ their baby dolls. They have dolls that do everything else… personally, I’m more disgusted by the ones that poop all over the place and stain my carpet.”
And then the firestorm. I didn’t exactly start my day with the intent to incite controversy, but I am truly astounded by the flurry of mean, distasteful comments.
Perhaps I am naive, but I simply cannot understand the angst so many feel against something that is so natural and nurturing. For my girls, it would be strange to give a bottle to their baby dolls, simply because they did not witness it happening much in our home. Would I purchase this doll? Probably not, because my girls have done a fine job of make-believe up to this point.
Some argue that its too sexual or wonder why the emphasis on breasts at that age? What? Really? For girls growing up in a home where they see their mother breastfeeding a younger sibling several times a day, its absolutely not sexual. Its dinner!!! I am much more concerned that Walmart is marketing padded bras to my 7-year-old. (Believe it. It is disgustingly true.)
Stepping off my soapbox for now… time for coffee #2. (Sorry, I’m still a bit grumpy from this hot weather.)
Blue Jeans & Coffee Beans 
Interesting! I didn't know they made a doll like that. I'm going to check your link now 🙂 Good perspective. I guess everyone's worldview is different depending on your background, culture and circumstances. Having lived in another country, the people there definitely embraced it being natural and nurturing to the point of doing it openly in public with no cover of any kind. I was uncomfortable with that as the whole public didn't need to witness it. Since you come from a house full of girls I totally agree. Maybe if I had older boys in the house I may be a little more cautious about it but breast feeding is suppose to be natural (ha but for me and all of my problems with breastfeeding, something that is natural definitely doesn't always come easy!) The doll kind of weirds me out, just because it's not natural to see a little girl “breastfeeding” so I wouldn't purchase one. Now, maybe if I had been able to breastfeed I would feel more comfortable about the idea. It all goes back again to your worldview and life experiences. BTW Walmart really sells those?! Wow, sick and wrong!
LikeLike
I'm curious what women would have thought of this 100+ years ago… time to surf google and wikipedia :o)
LikeLike