Spanish dollmaker Berjuan's newest creation, Bebe Gloton, is causing boatloads of controversy. The doll mimics the act of breastfeeding and comes with a halter top that girls can wear while pretending to nurse the baby.
Now, I don't really know where to go with this. Do I comment first on the actual doll or on Kathie Lee Gifford's incessant, inane chatter about it on "Today"?
I'll start with the doll.
In theory, I think it's a good idea. If more little girls grew up thinking that breastfeeding was the norm, simply by playing with their dolls, initiation and retention rates would skyrocket. Many girls, especially those with moms who are breastfeeding a sibling, like to mimic with their own dolls, which is completely healthy, normal, and beautiful. Now, I think the suckling aspect (the actual mechanism is pretty cool!) of Bebe Gloton is absolutely fine, but I'm not so sure that I feel the same way about the halter top--daisies stand in for breasts and the baby latches on to the flowers. It's not offensive, but not necessary either.
On to Kathie Lee...as if the world didn't already think she was a complete ignoramus, she states, "I just worry about what's next..." Come on. "Worry"? About a pro-breastfeeding product? I'm more "worried" that NBC is allowing this woman to disseminate information to the country while she is seemingly drunk the majority of the time. She goes on to say that this doll has "got a little creep factor." Need I say it? Nope. Not going to go there.
Co-host Hoda Kotb does say that the doll "teaches you about nurturing", but doesn't leave it at that. She ruins the moment by saying, "But to see a 6-year-old, it's just weird..."
These women need to grow up. These 6-year-old "breastfeeders" are more mature.
For a hilarious breast-feeding in public story, please check out
http://lifewithrachael.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-used-to-hate-camping.html.
It gives a great account of some of our experiences while my wife was breastfeeding our children.
Hope you enjoy.
Waste of money – my daughter does this already with all of her dolls.
I ran across your article while writing a similar one (i linked to this post from my column). I don’t see anything wrong with this doll. Like the comment from Molly, kids already do this (whether or not it’s a waste of money is debatable). Besides, it’s not even for sale in the US and we’re already having a fit. I’m from the camp that believes that we need to stop placing shame on things that are completely natural in front of our children.
Here’s my post- http://tinyurl.com/n5ce7x
I understand what those who like the doll are saying — it is completely natural and normal for kids to want to mimic their mothers and breastfeed their babies. But, I don’t think they need this doll to do it. The whole thing seems like a little much to me.
Also breastfeeding currently, and have kids who pretend to nurse pets and dolls. (Love the reindeer story!)
If you think about, the vast majority of baby dolls come with bottles. We’re teaching our daughters and sons that bottle feeding is what we do for babies. I fall into the, just-send-me-the-doll-no-attachments-please category. I actually had this discussion with the manager at the American Girl store in Chicago last week (One act of activism for World Breastfeeding Week!). She was saying that they are trying to make the accessories separate so that if you want a bottle you can buy it.
I liken it to toys with batteries. I’m a Lego and blocks kind of parent. So I don’t need a halter (batteries) to let me kids get the idea that they can feed their doll (toy that requires batteries).
You know what I have to say about this?
WHAT ABOUT MY SON?
That’s right. What about all the boys? I think that baby dolls should be bottle fed so that the boys will have a chance to feed the baby, too. I know, I know, you might say that little boys can take part in other caregiving activities like brushing hair, giving baths or changing diapers, but I think it’s just another way that pretend breastfeeding excludes our sons as nurturers. And what about the older siblings that are pretending to be grandparents? They fed all their baby dolls with bottles and they turned out all right… isn’t that good enough?
Seriously, though, I don’t really have a problem with this doll, but it feels a bit gimmicky. I’ve seen countless kids imitate nursing without all the bells and whistles of this doll. And speaking of my son, even he pretended to nurse his stuffed animals when he was little. It was completely sweet and adorable when he did it and he didn’t need a special toy.
And like Robin is talking about… I think that dolls not coming with a mandatory bottle would probably make a bigger impact on breastfeeding in the long run than this doll will…
BEBE GLOTON ( THE BREASTFEEDING DOLL ) IS AVAILABLE ON EBAY, AMAZON OR http://www.bebegloton.us . the distributor speaks Spanish and English.
bebe gloton, the baby doll that mimics breastfeeding is available now on eBay, get it now for this christmas
I think it’s great. My girls will want one for all their babies.