While we're on the topic of breastfeeding, I was driving in the car the other day and heard a story about a new doll from Spain: the breastfeeding baby doll! WHAT?! I kinda laughed. The doll comes with this thing the child straps on, and there are flowers where nipples would be. The child holds the baby doll up to her (or his, I suppose) "flowers" and the sensors in the baby cause the baby to make nursing noises.
People's reaction to the doll (in the U.S.) is rather negative and some said it sexualizes children too soon. Sexualizes?! I've never associated breastfeeding with the sexualization of children! The only way I can imagine these people being offended is if they are likening breastfeeding to "self stimulating" or something. In that case, then, yes, I can see they'd be offended. I don't know if that's what these people are thinking, though, but I've never thought of breastfeeding as sexual or offensive.
Proponents of the doll say it helps children learn to nurture. I can imagine it also making breastfeeding seem more natural and common.
My reaction was that the idea is kind of weird, and I don't think I'd buy one of these dolls, but I don't think people should think it's a bad thing. Obviously there are some serious misperceptions of breastfeeding.
3 comments:
That is funny. I have 4 daughters, and all of them have "breastfed" their dolls. Usually it is when I am breastfeeding their younger sibling, they will get their doll and sit next to me and we will breastfeed together. It always makes me smile.
You just reminded me that our son used to do that with his little bear. I remember cracking up! I think the older of our two daughters did that, too!
I can't believe they were equating breastfeeding with something sexual. So sad that some people view it that way instead of as a nurturing thing.
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