Comments on: Lifelike Dolls Take the Place of Real Babies for Some Parents http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/ Adoption Information and Inspiration Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:36:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: The Song of a woman http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-3056 The Song of a woman Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:37:32 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-3056 Just one more thought... Perhaps these grown women who know they cannot ever have children of their own possess some magical child heart that they can still imagine and dream. We were all once little girls and it is no more creepy for these women to pretend than it was for us. The fact that their bodies have aged are not indicative of their heart's desire, and really, can there be any more noble desire in a woman's breast than that of being a Mother? To all those who are Mothers and would point the finger of scorn at these poor dear sweet women, who are hurting no one, why not look upon them with a Mother's compassionate heart and comfort their souls in friendship rather than try to "fix" them. My husbands mother once told me that the most valuable thing she had learned in life was not to try to judge another person's capacity, but to meet them wherever they were, to serve them and lift them however she could, and to love them. I really should just post more on my own blog rather than taking up all of other people's space, but thanks for letting me share. 0:). And for the non-heathen Christians...except YE become as a little child.... Ps. I love the heathens....I think in some ways we are all one.... Just one more thought…
Perhaps these grown women who know they cannot ever have children of their own possess some magical child heart that they can still imagine and dream. We were all once little girls and it is no more creepy for these women to pretend than it was for us. The fact that their bodies have aged are not indicative of their heart’s desire, and really, can there be any more noble desire in a woman’s breast than that of being a Mother? To all those who are Mothers and would point the finger of scorn at these poor dear sweet women, who are hurting no one, why not look upon them with a Mother’s compassionate heart and comfort their souls in friendship rather than try to “fix” them. My husbands mother once told me that the most valuable thing she had learned in life was not to try to judge another person’s capacity, but to meet them wherever they were, to serve them and lift them however she could, and to love them.
I really should just post more on my own blog rather than taking up all of other people’s space, but thanks for letting me share. 0:). And for the non-heathen Christians…except YE become as a little child….
Ps. I love the heathens….I think in some ways we are all one….

]]> By: The Song of a woman http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-3055 The Song of a woman Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:43:56 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-3055 Alright ladies. No one asked me, and opinions are worth about what they cost, but here is mine anyway. I am a mother of 4 small children. The oldest is nearly 7, the twins are nearly 5, our youngest is nearly 3. I am also pregnant with our fifth child. I stumbled upon these dolls last year while doing research on Christmas gifts to make for the girls. I was absolutely stunned by the artistry. I scrolled through the various models and found a beautiful one that looks just like my oldest daughter when she was only a couple of weeks old. Of course I fell in love all over again, just like looking at those old home videos and photographs. I can't afford to buy it right now, but I am saving up. I have an adorable little outfit my sister in law bought for our oldest that she wore when that age that I've been keeping for something special. I adore being a mother. In fact, it is all I do besides being a wife (which I find most fulfilling). I use all of my time and talents on teaching, playing and learning with the children. I know they will grow so fast. I personally want to get a few of these little dolls as a reminder of those late nights nursing, of those restless hours of sickness, of those sweet sweet times that will all too soon pass. I know I only get to do this for real one time. I work hard every day to make sure I will have no regrets and that they will have no regrets. However, I find it nice and comforting to think that once the house is quiet and I no longer enjoy the putter patter of tiny feet racing up and down the stairs, or that familiar cry in the night that just needs a snuggle before going back to sleep has gone forever, that I will be able to look in at a little doll and not only enjoy the futuristic fantasies of childhood when looking forward to the joys of Motherhood, but have a lifetime of wonderful precious memories flood my heart and mind with the absolute wonder and miracle that I have been so blessed to call my own experience as "Mother" to those tiny precious souls. For me, it will be a piece of nostalgia, like the adoring of those home videos and pictures. Of course I will not take it out and pretend it is real, but I might just make a cloth diaper, or a tiny pair of booties, or a little dress and just enjoy "remembering when." I'll probably eventually try my hand at making one for all our girls. Every woman was once a little girl, and every little gir, looking forward to Motherhood,l once loved a doll! 0:) Alright ladies. No one asked me, and opinions are worth about what they cost, but here is mine anyway.
I am a mother of 4 small children. The oldest is nearly 7, the twins are nearly 5, our youngest is nearly 3. I am also pregnant with our fifth child. I stumbled upon these dolls last year while doing research on Christmas gifts to make for the girls. I was absolutely stunned by the artistry. I scrolled through the various models and found a beautiful one that looks just like my oldest daughter when she was only a couple of weeks old. Of course I fell in love all over again, just like looking at those old home videos and photographs. I can’t afford to buy it right now, but I am saving up. I have an adorable little outfit my sister in law bought for our oldest that she wore when that age that I’ve been keeping for something special. I adore being a mother. In fact, it is all I do besides being a wife (which I find most fulfilling). I use all of my time and talents on teaching, playing and learning with the children. I know they will grow so fast. I personally want to get a few of these little dolls as a reminder of those late nights nursing, of those restless hours of sickness, of those sweet sweet times that will all too soon pass. I know I only get to do this for real one time. I work hard every day to make sure I will have no regrets and that they will have no regrets. However, I find it nice and comforting to think that once the house is quiet and I no longer enjoy the putter patter of tiny feet racing up and down the stairs, or that familiar cry in the night that just needs a snuggle before going back to sleep has gone forever, that I will be able to look in at a little doll and not only enjoy the futuristic fantasies of childhood when looking forward to the joys of Motherhood, but have a lifetime of wonderful precious memories flood my heart and mind with the absolute wonder and miracle that I have been so blessed to call my own experience as “Mother” to those tiny precious souls. For me, it will be a piece of nostalgia, like the adoring of those home videos and pictures. Of course I will not take it out and pretend it is real, but I might just make a cloth diaper, or a tiny pair of booties, or a little dress and just enjoy “remembering when.”
I’ll probably eventually try my hand at making one for all our girls. Every woman was once a little girl, and every little gir, looking forward to Motherhood,l once loved a doll! 0:)

]]> By: Lynn Luck http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-2705 Lynn Luck Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:36:25 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-2705 when people tell me i have a strange hobby collecting reborn dolls and vintage prams I always ask them to what they are comparing it . Watching tv 2 to 5 hours a day ? Playing poker machines or other gambling ? binge drinking ? over eating ? Flying model aircraft ? etc.etc. For me the prams look better with a little occupant and pushing a pram is a lot more rewarding than taking a walking frame for a walk [ had a bad fall out walking ] . So i get some exercise, preserve a few of these iconic and historic prams and feel my empty nest a lot less . I have also met some lovely people in the process . when people tell me i have a strange hobby collecting reborn dolls and vintage prams I always ask them to what they are comparing it . Watching tv 2 to 5 hours a day ? Playing poker machines or other gambling ? binge drinking ? over eating ? Flying model aircraft ? etc.etc.
For me the prams look better with a little occupant and pushing a pram is a lot more rewarding than taking a walking frame for a walk [ had a bad fall out walking ] . So i get some exercise, preserve a few of these iconic and historic prams and feel my empty nest a lot less . I have also met some lovely people in the process .

]]> By: Thea Ramirez http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-2588 Thea Ramirez Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:41:15 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-2588 In my opinion these dolls are meeting a very real need in those that seek comfort from it. I think however, this is where some women can go down a path that is very hard to come back from. The nature of any adoption or infertility experience is such that the end result, 100% of it, is fixated on having a baby. I believe it is possible for some to become so fixated on the end goal that it distorts reality and their sense of life fulfillment. The end result is "baby hyperfixation", or the notion that an infant will "make me feel complete". Although these dolls meet a need, I think that they can become dangerous crutches, keeping those who use them to derive fulfillment, imprisoned in denial and the acceptance of grief that comes with the loss of having a child. If you or someone you know carries a lifelike doll with them, offer a listening ear. You can't push someone out of denial, but you can help them feel safe by not judging them, telling them what they ought to do, and helping them find their voice. Treat them like you would someone who has experienced a major loss and that is with sensitivity and care. Prayer is a powerful tool as well! In my opinion these dolls are meeting a very real need in those that seek comfort from it. I think however, this is where some women can go down a path that is very hard to come back from. The nature of any adoption or infertility experience is such that the end result, 100% of it, is fixated on having a baby. I believe it is possible for some to become so fixated on the end goal that it distorts reality and their sense of life fulfillment. The end result is “baby hyperfixation”, or the notion that an infant will “make me feel complete”. Although these dolls meet a need, I think that they can become dangerous crutches, keeping those who use them to derive fulfillment, imprisoned in denial and the acceptance of grief that comes with the loss of having a child.

If you or someone you know carries a lifelike doll with them, offer a listening ear. You can’t push someone out of denial, but you can help them feel safe by not judging them, telling them what they ought to do, and helping them find their voice. Treat them like you would someone who has experienced a major loss and that is with sensitivity and care. Prayer is a powerful tool as well!

]]> By: ashley petersen http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-2524 ashley petersen Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:38:49 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-2524 To say we are killing babies and buying dolls is just wrong. most of the reborn mothers can not have children and would never dream of abortion even as a option for anyone. also reborn mothes have plenty of human interaction.your list s fine by day but what about at night when these mothes can either hold their babies or cry themselves to sleep. reborn are good and thereis nothing wrong with the babies or parents To say we are killing babies and buying dolls is just wrong. most of the reborn mothers can not have children and would never dream of abortion even as a option for anyone. also reborn mothes have plenty of human interaction.your list s fine by day but what about at night when these mothes can either hold their babies or cry themselves to sleep. reborn are good and thereis nothing wrong with the babies or parents

]]> By: Jenn Doucette http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-2523 Jenn Doucette Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:50:34 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-2523 Sorry gang, but I think it's creepy. I see it as just one more way we are supplanting real, genuine relationships for counterfeit. We are killing real babies and buying fake babies. Hmmmm. I say "we" meaning we as a culture. I like Fox News' take on it. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/28/fake-babies-fake-lives/?cmpid=cmty_fb_Gigya_Fake_Babies%2C_Fake_Lives Sorry gang, but I think it’s creepy. I see it as just one more way we are supplanting real, genuine relationships for counterfeit. We are killing real babies and buying fake babies. Hmmmm. I say “we” meaning we as a culture. I like Fox News’ take on it. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/28/fake-babies-fake-lives/?cmpid=cmty_fb_Gigya_Fake_Babies%2C_Fake_Lives

]]> By: azsli petersen http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-1315 azsli petersen Tue, 14 Dec 2010 03:51:21 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-1315 I have been trying to conceive for over a year now. There's a chance I will never be able to have a baby of my own. I have a Ashton drake Emily baby.I gave her middle and last names.To me she is real. I love her and take her with me when I go out. (if its not to cold). I hold my 6 month old nephew all the time but the problem is you have to give them back or you get attached and then they go home or get adopted and you have to give then up. With these babies they never grow up and you never have to give them away. Adoption is expensive and some people can't do it. By the way Ashton drake babies are only a couple hundred dollars not thousands. They fill a void that only a baby can. I have been trying to conceive for over a year now. There’s a chance I will never be able to have a baby of my own. I have a Ashton drake Emily baby.I gave her middle and last names.To me she is real. I love her and take her with me when I go out. (if its not to cold). I hold my 6 month old nephew all the time but the problem is you have to give them back or you get attached and then they go home or get adopted and you have to give then up. With these babies they never grow up and you never have to give them away. Adoption is expensive and some people can’t do it. By the way Ashton drake babies are only a couple hundred dollars not thousands. They fill a void that only a baby can.

]]> By: Tara http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-1128 Tara Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:53:34 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-1128 There are some problems with your Dickensian charity scheme: * Rocking sick babies in the hospital Wouldn't want some unqualified hazard and danger sweeping in and near my sick and possibly immunity impaired child, thanks but no thanks. * Temporary foster parenting of newborns waiting to be adopted Only those qualified pls. Getting a doll only requires money, a lot of people simply are not able to take care of a child, especially a newborn. * Interim babysitting for single parents And lecturing them about how their parents are going to hell I assume? * Volunteering in the church nursery Churches around here only have old ladies. No volunteering for the godless heathens? * Visiting an orphanage Same as the hospital case, don't want anyone unqualified around children with issues just to make them (not the children) feel like saints. * Helping in a teen parenting program Also very challenging and not suited for those unqualified. There are some problems with your Dickensian charity scheme:

* Rocking sick babies in the hospital

Wouldn’t want some unqualified hazard and danger sweeping in and near my sick and possibly immunity impaired child, thanks but no thanks.

* Temporary foster parenting of newborns waiting to be adopted

Only those qualified pls. Getting a doll only requires money, a lot of people simply are not able to take care of a child, especially a newborn.

* Interim babysitting for single parents

And lecturing them about how their parents are going to hell I assume?

* Volunteering in the church nursery

Churches around here only have old ladies. No volunteering for the godless heathens?

* Visiting an orphanage

Same as the hospital case, don’t want anyone unqualified around children with issues just to make them (not the children) feel like saints.

* Helping in a teen parenting program

Also very challenging and not suited for those unqualified.

]]> By: annette http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-1115 annette Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:17:01 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-1115 Hi Elizabeth, Good on you. I am sorry for the challenges you have experienced and as one women to another PROUD that you have come through a strong caring person. I personally love them and am saving to purchase one. Yes to those who need to hear Iwe know they are dolls, but I think it is no different than model car collectors, craft, pottery etc. For the minority of women who have a need to have a reborn for therapy good on them! Whatever works. Cya Hi Elizabeth,

Good on you. I am sorry for the challenges you have experienced and as one women to another PROUD that you have come through a strong caring person. I personally love them and am saving to purchase one. Yes to those who need to hear Iwe know they are dolls, but I think it is no different than model car collectors, craft, pottery etc. For the minority of women who have a need to have a reborn for therapy good on them! Whatever works. Cya

]]> By: dor http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-1082 dor Thu, 27 May 2010 01:48:55 +0000 http://www.laurachristianson.com/laura/lifelike-dolls-take-the-place-of-real-babies-for-some-parents/#comment-1082 I have bought a couple of reborns and now have just gotten a masterpiece doll and I see nothing wrong with holding them and changing their clothes I am a grandmother now and a young one at that being only 37 when I became a grandma now I am 42 and love the dolls I have bought although I do not take them out with me and treat them as if they are real I do hold them and change the clothes often I am not crazy or need to do volunteer work I just find them beautiful and was sick of seeing people comment with rude remarks just because they do not understand lots of people have hobbies that may seem weird to others but to each his own and god is the only person who can judge us my daughter loves going shopping with me since my new masterpiece doll wears almost the same size as my grand daughter and I have often given her clothes when she comes over and sees an outfit I have for my dolls that she likes for her daughter and do not waste your breath telling me what you think I need ha ha cause I really do not care what you people think I just wanted to post a positive view on reborns they are lovely and take alot of talent and hard work to make a doll look as real as some of them do and if you do a search on reborns you will see that its a growing market so there are obviously alot more people out there buying these types of dolls I have bought a couple of reborns and now have just gotten a masterpiece doll and I see nothing wrong with holding them and changing their clothes I am a grandmother now and a young one at that being only 37 when I became a grandma now I am 42 and love the dolls I have bought although I do not take them out with me and treat them as if they are real I do hold them and change the clothes often I am not crazy or need to do volunteer work I just find them beautiful and was sick of seeing people comment with rude remarks just because they do not understand lots of people have hobbies that may seem weird to others but to each his own and god is the only person who can judge us
my daughter loves going shopping with me since my new masterpiece doll wears almost the same size as my grand daughter and I have often given her clothes when she comes over and sees an outfit I have for my dolls that she likes for her daughter and do not waste your breath telling me what you think I need ha ha cause I really do not care what you people think I just wanted to post a positive view on reborns they are lovely and take alot of talent and hard work to make a doll look as real as some of them do and if you do a search on reborns you will see that its a growing market so there are obviously alot more people out there buying these types of dolls

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