In a groundbreaking move, a mother in Brisbane, Australia, is challenging breastfeeding stereotypes with her innovative creations: breastfeeding dolls inspired by Barbie. Betty Thompson, the creative mind behind this initiative, is selling these dolls on Etsy, aiming to educate children and dismantle the stigma surrounding nursing mothers.
“A woman’s body is an incredible thing. It sustains life for nine months and continues to nourish a child through breastfeeding,” her shop description states. “These dolls are designed to celebrate the breastfeeding journey in an educational way.”
Thompson affectionately refers to her breastfeeding doll as the “Mamas Worldwide Barbie.” After sharing her creation on social media, the dolls quickly gained popularity, with many appreciating their natural and relatable appearance. By removing the factory “makeup” from existing dolls and repainting them, she captures a more authentic look that resonates with mothers who often feel overwhelmed and unadorned during their early days with a newborn.
Her inspiration stems from real-life experiences. “Everyone in my mom’s group thought it was fantastic, so I shared it on Instagram,” she recounted. “The positive response made me realize this is something that should be available, as educating children can help eliminate the stigma surrounding breastfeeding.”
In addition to breastfeeding dolls, Thompson creates representations of pregnant women, same-sex couples, and even adoption scenarios. “It’s a huge step forward for equality now that same-sex adoption has been legalized in Queensland,” she shared on Facebook, highlighting the importance of diverse family structures.
With a wide array of dolls, including one with a striking purple pixie cut and tattoos, Thompson is committed to reflecting the diversity of modern families. “It’s a powerful message to pass on to our children,” she noted.
Due to increased demand and media attention, Thompson’s dolls are currently sold out, but she encourages interested customers to remain patient. “I’m flooded with orders and need to catch up before making more,” she explained.
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In summary, Thompson’s dolls are more than just toys; they are tools for education that promote acceptance and understanding of breastfeeding and diverse family dynamics. As she works through her orders, the impact of her creations is already being felt, inspiring a new generation to embrace inclusivity and normalcy in parenting.