MamAmor, 2 Giveaways, and an Interview

As you might have figured out by now, I am completely, irrevocably, smitten with the MamAmor dolls made by Adriana.

Right now, Adriana is hosting a great giveaway right now, at her blog, and I encourage you to go and enter to win. It's a FABULOUS prize.  

Not only is she doing a giveaway right now, but she is also going to be donating a MamAmor doll for International Doula Month in May, right here on Bellies and Babies, so be sure to become a follower so that you will see the giveaway when it is posted (shameless self promotion, I know).

And, as it turns out, the more I get to know her, she is not just a fabulous artisan and crafty goddess, she is also an amazing person! For that reason, I asked her a few questions, and a lovely interview came out of it.

How did you get into this line of work:

Three years ago, when I was training to become a Birth doula, one of the trainers showed me an old birthing doll. I liked the idea so much that I decided to use my sewing skills to make a birthing and breastfeeding doll for my own children. I've got such a great feedback from family and friends that I decided to start making more dolls, and more dolls and soon after I was so busy making and selling dolls that I almost didn't have time to work as a doula anymore!

What makes your heart skip a beat, hold your breath, or sigh with happiness:

On the personal level, my children milestones and achievements are huge for me, I love seeing them happy and confident, they make me feel a very proud mama. On the professional level, I love helping parents get ready to meet their babies; I treasure every moment of being at a birth. 

I adore my dolls! Each one is very special, I put many hours and love into making them, my favorite part is watching them to become "unique mamas". They are like us, all different. It is also very special when I receive feedback from mothers, doulas, midwives, telling me how happy they are with their dolls, how useful they are for their work, and how educational they are for their children.

If you had to choose one item that you sell, what is your favorite and why:

I make and sell dolls and accessories for the dolls, but of course, my favorite items are the dolls. These mamas can be pregnant, they can give birth to their babies and they can breastfeed them. They are not only a wonderful educational tool but also a great toy for children of all ages. They represent natural - normal birth and they bring the message that breastfeeding is normal and a human right, and the bonding is essential to raising confident and trusting human beings.

You mentioned you trained as a doula; when you think of a doula, what do you think about:

A doula is a person who constantly gives, not only by listening and by educating, but most important, by being "present". Each time a doula goes to a birth, she leaves her personal issues and believes at home, and work very hard to make sure that her clients feel supported and safe, so they can speak their mind. A doula is like an birthing fairy....and she never forgets to bring her birthing fairy sparkles.

Consequentially, what do you think of birth practices in the U.S. right now:

I don't know much about doulas in U.S.- I live in Canada- but I would assume that the situation might be a bit similar. Doulas in Canada are growing and they are being seen more and more in hospitals in the last few years, but they are still not considered fundamental part of the parents birthing team, there is along way to get there.

Anything Else that you would like us to know about you:

I make custom dolls as well. People can choose eye, hair and skin colours, as well as styles of clothing and accessories.

Thank you, Adriana, for your time and your beautiful dolls!

To visit MamAmor:

MamAmor Main Website
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