Debate: Would you buy your child a doll that gives birth?

Now that many of my peers are thinking about embarking on the grand adventure that is motherhood, it occurs to me that there are aspects of the birthing process that remain a dark and scary mystery to me. And according to the Guardian, I’m not alone’British reports show that fear of childbirth (called tochophobia) is on the rise. A midwife consultant told the Guardian that this fear "…can often be traced back to a lack of information or explanation about what was happening."

Aside from the fact that this tochophobia seems to be a medicalization of women’s legitimate concerns (but that’s a rant for another post), I think this midwife consultant makes a good point. Do you remember learning anything about what really happens during childbirth in sex ed? I don’t. Sure, we were taught about how the baby gets into the mommy’s belly, but not a heck of a lot was said about what goes on when it comes out. Well now you can teach your kids all about the birthing process using a birthing doll developed by an Edmonton doula and mother. The line of handmade MamAmor dolls "give birth" to baby dolls, complete with placenta and umbilical cord. The dolls also have snaps on their chests that the babies can attach to, to demonstrate breastfeeding. You can even order dolls that give birth via cesarian or vaginal birth after cesarian.

Aside from being beautiful, handcrafted works of art, these dolls provide a valuable teaching tool for parents. According to the Toronto Star, some think the MamAmors provide kids with "too much information." But can there really be such a thing? It seems to me that knowing more about the birthing process can only serve to empower kids.

Do you think these doll are innovative or inappropriate?

Related:
‘ 10 rules for a happier pregnancy
‘ How to make a birth plan
‘ 14 pregnancy tips from women who’ve been there