Share

Little girls 'breastfeeding' dolls: natural or offensive?

accreditation
"We're feeding our babies. From our boobies"
"We're feeding our babies. From our boobies"

We live in a world where breastfeeding a baby in public is still offensive. 

Mom-shaming is so pervasive that we hardly pay attention when yet another mother receives yet another tongue lashing from some offended person regarding how and when she should be feeding her baby. 

Except for the stories of mothers squirting breast milk at rude strangers. Those never get old. 

But this time, the shaming is downright dumb. 

Marjorie Harvey, the wife of comedian Steve Harvey, has gotten some strong words thrown at her after posting the most innocent video of her grandchildren pretending to breastfeed their dolls.

The little girls, Elle (3) and Rose (4), can be seen with their dolls pressed against their chests. And even though their t-shirts are up, both girls remain fully covered. 

Marjorie is heard asking the girls, "Hey girls, what you doing?", to which the toddlers respond, "We're feeding our babies. From our boobies."

Given that Rose has recently become a big sister to baby brother Ezra, it's clear that the girls have been paying attention during the 5-month-old's feeding time. 


Also see: Are we allowing our children to be too "sexy"? Pastor's post goes viral

What's your opinion of the video? Isn't this just kids being kids? Girls mimicking mom and learning about their beautiful bodies? Or is it not for social media? Tell us and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.


"If they get pregnant at 12, whose fault will be it be?" 

While some applauded the video as a win for the normalisation of breastfeeding, others saw it in a more cynical light. 

Just look at some of them: 

"Since when we teach our young girls to breastfeed? Hope they don’t go around doing this in public."

"Not cute for these small girls at all... especially on social media. What is this world coming to?"

"This is exactly why children grow up so darn fast. Let them be kids while they can. Now if they get pregnant at 12... whose fault will that be? Just saying!! This is not cute."

“Yes it has been the way moms feed their babies, but these are juveniles, as in babies, not grown women and [for] the person who recorded this and posted it: it’s called child porn.”

"You might as well teach them about sex while they are babies."

"I guess it's only cute cause it's a celebrity but if it was a random chick in the hood showing that video of her toddlers doing that she would have been trending and being bashed. Smh."

"Very disturbing. Too many sick people will see this the wrong way. Keep your babies off of this mess."


Also see: Let's talk about why breastfeeding is still taboo in some communities?


"It's completely natural and normal"

"Women on social media posts pictures half dressed but breastfeeding is offensive?"

"In what way is this any more attracting to a child predator than any other picture? You can't even see anything smh, you're reaching."

"Breastfeeding is totally normal. It’s not cute for adults to sexualise the woman’s body for their own personal needs but they do it, which is the reason for mind states like yours. Breasts were made to nourish our children."

"This is amazing and your family is doing a great job at normalising breastfeeding for them. Continue to educate them and let them know that it's completely natural and normal to breastfeed. These little girls could be twerking and cussing but yet, they are reciprocating the positivity that is around them. The problem isn't with them or the adults, it's you if you see a problem with this."

"Little girls being little girls! It is obvious that they have witnessed a baby being fed from the boobies. Which is completely normal. Behaviour is learned, and this type of teaching is priceless!"

"There kids will be smarter, more nourished and it'll make Rose and Elle lose weight."

"I'm confused by the people that are saying this is fast or too grown. Children emulate their parents so why wouldn't they emulate breastfeeding?" 

"Why not? Children play pretend by imitating what they see. 'This is how mommy feeds my baby brother, so this is how I am supposed to feed my baby doll'. I did this as a little girl. And grew up to nurse my own baby. Leave these innocent babies alone."

"YESSSS teaching our girls what boobs are for early." 

"What’s wrong with breastfeeding? I bet if they were twerking there would be no comments at all. Let people live, damn!"

"News flash! This is how God intended us to feed our children with no perverted thoughts in mind. How dare them not follow the rules that society has programmed us to live by!"


Also see: The real problem with posting about your kids online? More people than you know are seeing your private accounts

Who's right and who's wrong?

Clearly, the video has sparked a debate, perhaps one that needs to take place. Has our distaste for public breastfeeding tainted our opinion, or do the naysayers have a point? 

Chat back:

What's your opinion of the video? Not for social media, or just two innocent girls mimicking their mothers? Tell us and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.


Sign up for Parent24's newsletters.

Read more:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE