Would you own a "Reborn Doll" and what is your opinion about them?

1. 87

   Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years ago

   Would you own a "Reborn Doll" and what is your opinion about them?
   
   There is a lot of controversy about Reborn dolls. They are made to look like real babies. Some psychologists and child bereavement counselors advise against owning these dolls, others say it helps bereaved parents. Some purchasers collect the dolls as a hobby, others to replace a lost baby. Some therapists believe holding one of these dolls is "cuddle therapy" for elderly patients, which calms them.  (image credit: Wikipedia Public Domain).
   
   
   
   

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2. 97

   Kylyssaposted 9 years ago

   I'd leave this question to experts, like psychologists, for about fifty years and then come back to it if you want a really solid answer.
   
   Speaking for myself, and only for myself, I think they look and feel like dead babies. The one I was given to hold creeped me out on levels I can't even describe. There's no breath, no pulse, no tiny movements, no baby scent, no warmth. The skin doesn't feel right. I had to keep telling myself it was a doll even though I obviously knew it was a doll. I handed it to someone else the second I could do so without giving offense.
   
   I think the reason I found the reborn doll so disturbing is because it did look so much like a baby, minus all the signs that the baby was alive.

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   1. 87

      Faith Reaperposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I agree with your answer, especially being you have firsthand experience.  I did not know of such dolls. They would be disturbing to me for the very reasons you've stated. I don't know that I could bring myself to hold one for thinking it dead.

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   2. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Kylyssa. I already have an opinion on these dolls. Psychologists have already stated their opinions in many articles about it. I was just curious what others think about the dolls. Thanks for your answer.

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   3. 97

      Kylyssaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      My opinions are that psychologists will be the ones to ask after a lot more time has passed and a lot more data gathered and that I, personally, find the dolls disturbing. I'm sorry those weren't the opinions you wanted.

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   4. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      And I appreciate your opinion and contribution to the subject, Kylyssa. This is why I asked the question - for opinions. I do not want any particular opinion, just anybody's and any opinion. I think you brought up some good points.

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   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   If doll could replace a lost baby, maybe it would help the mother to reduce the stress but it is not healthy in long term run.

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   1. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree on it not being healthy for an extended time. I personally believe it could prevent or drastically delay some people from going through the grieving process.

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4. 86

   jansharesposted 9 years ago

   I'd never heard of reborn dolls until now, Phyllis, so I don't know anything about its usefulness. My gut says it's a creepy way to deal with grief. But I can't rule out that it may be helpful in situations where the bereaved is stuck and not moving forward in the grieving process. On the other hand, I think having one of these too soon, creates a delay in accepting the pain and reality of the loss. I personally would not use one in my practice. I think a toy, a blanket, or article of clothing from the deceased child would work just as well, if not better, because there is an actual connection to the real baby.

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   1. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Very well thought out, Janis. I am so glad you replied to this question because of your work in the mental health profession and understanding of the human psyche. You have great insight to this subject. I appreciate your contribution. Thank you.

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5. 71

   LoisRyan13903posted 9 years ago

   Maybe collecting one as a hobby but not one for replacing a lost baby.  I miscarried my son at 8 months in 1998.  I personally don't think this doll would have helped me coped with losing my son.

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   1. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Lois. I can understand that. So sorry about your loss. Thank you for commenting on this question.

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6. 78

   Faceless39posted 9 years ago

   I think that whatever helps a person can't be that bad. It harms no one and probably helps people cope with loss.

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   1. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Faceless39. I guess it depends on the individual. If it helps them in a positive way then it matters not what others think. Thank you.

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7. 92

   Jackie Lynnleyposted 9 years ago

   The only dolls I liked as a child were the ones that looked most like a real baby so if I could take it then I think I could handle it now. I wouldn't expect it to be warm or start squirming. I think I would be fine with it and would like it. I have a time out doll I buy clothes for and photograph and maybe some people would think that weird; but seems perfectly OK to me. It is the perfect doll for my age. lol

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   1. 87

      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have many dolls and my favorite is one about the size of a newborn. I dress her in my daughter's baby clothes. Thanks for your reply, Jackie.

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