Parenthood comes in many forms, but not everyone understands or accepts the unique ways people find joy in nurturing. For one mother of six, the love she has for her children extends beyond the four walls of reality. While she has two biological kids, the other four—her reborn dolls—have brought her immeasurable happiness, despite the harsh judgment she faces online.
Reborn dolls, hyper-realistic baby dolls crafted to look and feel like real infants, have gained popularity among collectors and those who find comfort in them. For this mother, they are much more than just inanimate objects—they are an emotional outlet, a source of companionship, and a way to express the deep maternal love she has inside her. However, trolls on social media often fail to see the beauty in her passion, instead choosing to criticize and mock her for treating the dolls as real children.
“I constantly get messages from people telling me I’m crazy or that I need help,” she shares. “They say things like, ‘Why don’t you just have more real kids?’ or ‘This is so weird.’ But what they don’t understand is that this isn’t about replacing real children—it’s about embracing something that brings me peace and happiness.”
For her, each reborn doll has a name, a personality, and a special place in her heart. She dresses them, holds them, and even takes them on outings. While some may find this unusual, she insists that the experience is therapeutic. “They help with my anxiety. When I hold one, I feel calm. It’s like all the stress of the world disappears for a moment.”
Her two real children understand and accept her love for the dolls, often playing along with their mother’s unique hobby. “They see how happy it makes me, and they don’t judge me for it. If anything, they think it’s kind of fun.” Her family and close friends also support her, even if they don’t fully understand her attachment to the dolls.
The negativity from strangers, however, can be overwhelming. “People are so quick to judge what they don’t understand. They assume I’m mentally unstable or that I’m using the dolls to cope with trauma, but the truth is, they just bring me joy. Isn’t that what life is about—finding what makes you happy?”
She wants to challenge the stigma surrounding unconventional hobbies and emotional connections. “People collect cars, action figures, and art. No one calls them crazy. But because my collection happens to look like babies, people assume there’s something wrong with me.”
Despite the online hate, she remains unapologetic. “I refuse to let strangers dictate what I love. My reborn babies are a part of my life, and they always will be. If people don’t understand that, then that’s their problem, not mine.”
Her story is a testament to the power of finding happiness in unexpected places. Whether real or not, love is love—and in her heart, all six of her children are cherished.
