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Childbirth Doll: Some Love it, Some Say 'Ew'
Filed under: In The News, Weird But True, Resources, Amazing Parents
The Childbirth Education Doll, made by Sharon Coleman (etsy)
The Childbirth Education Doll has caused a bit of controversy, with some saying that they found the doll to be too, well, creepy. ParentDish spoke with Sharon Coleman, the doll's designer, via e-mail about her creation.
ParentDish: Why did you create this doll?
Sharon Coleman: I created this doll as an educational tool for my three-year-old daughter while I was pregnant with her little sister. Since my children are planned home births, the older siblings are present during the births.
SC: The reactions I get vary. Midwives, doulas and those individuals who believe in natural childbirth all seem to love the dolls. Many, many others seem to be grossed out. I have been featured on a "creepy crochet" blog and the topic of many "ew that's gross" discussion forums. I don't get offended. They are coming from a place of ignorance. A new life coming into this world is a beautiful thing especially when the birth is natural, without any drugs or intervention. It is a rite of passage that our pharmaceutically-centered society has devalued.
PD: Do parents ever buy these for their kids?
SC: I am not aware of any parents who have bought the dolls for their kids. I do sell the pattern, though, and I'm sure parents have bought that to make for their kids. With details like wedding rings, earrings and sometimes even tattoos, they are quite time consuming and the price reflects the work. It is a lot of investment for a doll, which is why I mostly get professionals who see its value as an educational tool in their midwifery and doula practices.
PD: You said "With details like wedding rings, earrings and sometimes even tattoos" -- was that a custom doll you made for someone? Why did you include those details on the dolls?
SC: Each doll I make is custom. Usually customers want the same eye and hair color that they have. Once the faces and hair are on the dolls, they seem to take on a personality of their own. I let this personality guide the finishing touches. One doll just begged for a tattoo. Another hip young mama had dreads and a nose ring. All of them have wedding rings. I know many moms these days don't, but having been a single mother myself, I know how much easier it can be with a dedicated partner. And I want life to be easy for these mamas : ) I recently made one for a charity event for Georgia Friends of Midwives. She had a T-shirt and matching bag with their logo.
The Childbirth Education Doll, along with the pattern to make your own, can be found at Sharon Coleman's Etsy store, along with other items. For more of Sharon Coleman's crafts, visit cozycoleman.com.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
11-07-2009 @ 1:30AM
Deb said...that doll is pure disgusting looking. birth is not made to be comeing out of doll made by yarn. your ignorance is not excepted how dare u call people who dont except that piece of s#!t u made ignorant. sorry sweety i think u need to crawl back into the vodo whole u came out of.and take that monster with u
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10-23-2009 @ 4:47PM
LS said...I think the concept is ok.... it's just unfortunate that "anatomically correct" does NOT translate well to the craft of crochet.
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10-23-2009 @ 11:42PM
Lauren said...i don't think it's a good idea as it (as well as other baby dolls) just encourages young girls to think that they all have to grow up one day and have kids, as if it's the greatest thing they coul ever hope to achieve.
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3-25-2011 @ 11:33AM
Madelyn said...It's a pretty awesome thing to do in your life, and guess what: lots of women have children. Guess what else: for those women, it's a life altering moment. It's not like it's 'homemaker pregnancy dollie'. Projecting much?
Kids in our society are cut off from the facts of life way too much. I think this doll rocks.
10-25-2009 @ 7:45PM
wasabi said...So the doll doesn't look like a barbie... there's nothing wrong with that. I think it's a hell of a better idea then dolls that teach young girls to wear high heel or put on makeup. A 2 or 3 year old would never think this is gross. It would teach them the realities of life.
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10-30-2009 @ 4:04PM
dove said...It is not ignorant to say this doll is gross and completely obscene. I have never been fully nude while giving birth nor would I be comfortable doing that. It is natural to have children, but this doll makes it look perverted almost and doesn't at all magnify the beauty behind having a child. It makes it look creepy. When I want my children to know about how the whole process works, I will explain it to them myself and God will guide my words and actions to glorify His name, and not make it a carnal issue, over a Spirit filled issue. God bless you all.
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5-13-2010 @ 9:25AM
JO said...I AM ALL FOR THE CHILDREN BEING INVOLVED IN THE UP COMING BIRTH OF SIBLING. BUT I REALLY THINK I DRAW THE LINE AT VERY YOUNG CHILDREN BEING PRESENT DURING THE BIRTH ITSELF. THATS JUST TOO MUCH INFORMATION FOR A CHILD. I RECENTLY WAS PRESENT WHEN MY FRIENDS DAUGHTER GAVE BIRTH SURE ITS A MIRICLE BUT WAY TOO GRAPHIC FOR A YOUNG CHILD.
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