MamAmor Dolls VALENTINE'S GIVEAWAY!
I am not a blogger...you can tell, but I like this space a lot, as it gives me the chance to hear from you.
Get ready to elaborate for this great opportunity!...a new Giveaway!
Meet ANASTASIA!!! She is a gorgeous birthing and breastfeeding MamAmor doll...and she can be yours!!!
This is your chance to be creative! Use videos, comments, photos, posters....whatever you think it will be convincing. Post only here, not in Facebook or anywhere else, this is a blog offer only, don't miss this chance!
BE AWARE: THIS IS NOT A DRAW....I will pick the winner myself (with the help of my kids). I want to hear your reasons, please be clear, honest and tell me exactly why you want ANASTASIA. It doesn't matter HOW, it matters WHY.
Do your best so I pick YOU!!!
How to ENTER?
1- THINK about all the reasons why ANASTASIA deserves to be yours. Wait...don't post just yet...sleep on it and give me your best answer after you...
2- SHARE the news with your friends, family, colleagues , Facebook's friends, Tweeter friends, Google+ friends and pin MamAmor in Pinterest!!!! Please be honest, your choice to share or not will weigh in our decision to send ANASTASIA to live with you. This is a win win opportunity....you give, we give! Giving is wonderful!
3- SUBSCRIBE to MamAmor's monthly....no! I mean quarterly Newsletter! Don't worry, I don't share my list....with anyone! BE PART of MamAmor Dolls wonderful community!
I am aware that many of you had difficulties posting in blogger before, but this is the best platform available to me at this point, so the Giveaway will be hosted only here. I hope you can find the way to post here, believe me, it will be worth your time!
Entries posted in Facebook or via email will not be considered for this Giveaway. Please, post ONLY here.
PS Don't be disappointed if you don't win, there will be other opportunities to win a MamAmor! I know this will a very difficult decision to make, but I want to give it a try! Can't wait to hear from you!
Get ready to elaborate for this great opportunity!...a new Giveaway!
Meet ANASTASIA!!! She is a gorgeous birthing and breastfeeding MamAmor doll...and she can be yours!!!
ANASTASIA comes with a baby, dress, shoes, headband, hair clip, rebozo, a diaper bag with extra diapers and blankets to change the baby, and a bonus Nursing Toddler!!!!!
Value in dollars: $ 245 plus Shipping
Educational Value: Priceless
How?
CONVINCE ME!!!
Why ANASTASIA should be yours?
This is your chance to be creative! Use videos, comments, photos, posters....whatever you think it will be convincing. Post only here, not in Facebook or anywhere else, this is a blog offer only, don't miss this chance!
BE AWARE: THIS IS NOT A DRAW....I will pick the winner myself (with the help of my kids). I want to hear your reasons, please be clear, honest and tell me exactly why you want ANASTASIA. It doesn't matter HOW, it matters WHY.
Do your best so I pick YOU!!!
How to ENTER?
1- THINK about all the reasons why ANASTASIA deserves to be yours. Wait...don't post just yet...sleep on it and give me your best answer after you...
2- SHARE the news with your friends, family, colleagues , Facebook's friends, Tweeter friends, Google+ friends and pin MamAmor in Pinterest!!!! Please be honest, your choice to share or not will weigh in our decision to send ANASTASIA to live with you. This is a win win opportunity....you give, we give! Giving is wonderful!
3- SUBSCRIBE to MamAmor's monthly....no! I mean quarterly Newsletter! Don't worry, I don't share my list....with anyone! BE PART of MamAmor Dolls wonderful community!
3- Now....Go ahead, and let me know WHY you want ANASTASIA to be yours in the comment box below!
- This opportunity is open to everyone around the world (please try to do this in English or Spanish if possible).
- Free shipping worldwide
- One entry per family
- Deadline is Valentines Day- Feb. 14th, 2013 at 11:59PM
- Winner will be posted here on February 15th and she/he will have 3 full days to get back to me. If winner doesn't show up on time, I will choose another winner.
About Posting here:
A few rules:
- Free shipping worldwide
- One entry per family
- Deadline is Valentines Day- Feb. 14th, 2013 at 11:59PM
- Winner will be posted here on February 15th and she/he will have 3 full days to get back to me. If winner doesn't show up on time, I will choose another winner.
About Posting here:
I am aware that many of you had difficulties posting in blogger before, but this is the best platform available to me at this point, so the Giveaway will be hosted only here. I hope you can find the way to post here, believe me, it will be worth your time! Entries posted in Facebook or via email will not be considered for this Giveaway. Please, post ONLY here.
Thank you!!! Good luck everyone!!
And Happy Love Day!
PS Don't be disappointed if you don't win, there will be other opportunities to win a MamAmor! I know this will a very difficult decision to make, but I want to give it a try! Can't wait to hear from you!
Comments
I'm a roller derby gal, who is trying to set a positive active example for her kids. It doesn't come naturally, I'd much rather be sitting on the couch, but it's helping me be a better mother by keeping up with the little ones and de-stressing. I volunteer with my son and daughter's Beaver colony. I just started a fairy tale role-playing-game (like dungeons and dragons) for my oldest 3 kids (4, 6, & 12). I'm a busy mom, but I love it and I love my kids.
I really, really want a MamAmor doll, but I also just left my job outside the house after 15 years so it's not in the budget. Two of my boys have mild to moderate special needs and I really wanted to be more focused on my family. And be available for doctors, therapy, school and activities. It's a big change for our family, but so far it's been wonderful.
So yah, that's my story. :)
And that's why I am excited to enter your contest and see how we do on here. We live in Lawrence, Kansas. My daughter June is a first grader and I'm a teacher. She is my only child. I am a kindergarten teacher. My husband is a musician. He plays jazz guitar. You can check him out at www.bringbaggett.net
I hope to hear back from you!
And thank you. Thank you for making these beautiful dolls and for helping the world be a more loving and nurturing place. You're a wonderful person!
Sheri Rivers
Anyway i reaaaaaaaaaaallly love these dolls, wish i could afford one, ill look after her heehe
Oh what a joy your work is! I believe Anastasia should be mine, because I feel so very drawn to her, I feel she could be an amazing teaching tool in my Doula business, Childbirth Education classes, Sibling Birth Classes, and in my blooming Midwifery Practice. A lovely addition to our home. She's so gorgeous and has a Birthing Goddess aura :)
As I'm a Midwifery student, my finances are wrapped up into books, classes and midwifery equipment purchases.. My doula business and classes would benefit greatly, as I began teaching a Sibling class, that I would absolutely LOVE to have ANASTASIA to be apart of it!! Using pictures and videos is one thing, but having a hands on beauty like Anastasia... Oh what joy that would bring to my simple life.. :)
I have shared MamAmor on Pinterest, facebook and in emails to friends and family, my desperation for one of your works of art holds no bounds. I'm not super creative or crafty, so a Blog statement is all I can do. I hope its enough.. And I am subscribed now! <3 I knew I couldn't sleep on this, I KNOW I WOULD TAKE GREAT CARE OF HER!!! :)
Thank you for your amazing work! <3
Also, it would just be so nice for my sons to learn about the biological function of female anatomy from something as wonderful as this doll, BEFORE he reaches an age where I can't restrict his access from raunchy media and pornography!
Given my age, my son is probably going to be my only child. As such it is vitally important that he knows, and understands, the natural process that birthing is so he may be a supportive and compassionate partner when his time comes to be a parent; especially since he isn't going to be able to witness it as he would if he were to have a younger sibling. He is also too big for me to carry in a sling anymore, but he still remembers being in the sling and uses his child sized sling for his stuffed animals.
One of your dolls would be the perfect gift for my son; he can continue his nurturing habits, as well as have natural birth processes reinforced in a playful and age appropriate way. It is the goal of my husband and myself to raise our boy to become a man who respects women, children, and the natural processes that bring children into this world so he will be supportive of breastfeeding, and a woman's right to birth as she desires, etc. A doll of yours would go a long way to reinforce those messages of normalization. We are a one-income family (I am a stay-at-home mother) so purchasing one of your dolls is out of the question, sadly, even though they are worth every penny, and more, of the purchase price. I hope that you choose my son as the winner of this give-away contest.
Thank you!
Nancy Petino
nancypetino@aol.com
xo,
Erika
InspiredMama (at) msn (dot) com
This doll can be used for demonstrations of birth(natural birth, lotus birth, breech birth).
I remember when my little cousine sow my books about pregnancy and she told me she nows that babys comes out from the belly. So this doll is also good for the little girls to know how they are born, because one day they will be a mamy.
For many people is all taboo.
I think is better to explain to all how they get pregnant and how you can gave birth.
notte666(at) hotmail(dot) it
-Anouk-
Brianna has helped me through many a rough times (I have 5 children 5 years and under) and has helped me through home births, given me guidance with natural medical issues, and been a sister to me in many ways. You should check out her
facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crunchified-Mommy/181458941905223?ref=stream
and two blogs
http://www.birthybusiness.blogspot.com/
http://thecrunchifiedmommy.blogspot.com/
If there was one family that would appreciate this beautiful doll it would for sure be Brianna Jensen's, please consider her, she well deserves it with her hard work and dedication to everything glorious about being a woman :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=effwXfO78Jk
I now plan to let her wean on her own, and I know she would love to have this doll. In fact, Anastasia is the name she almost had - so it's perfect! I also wanted to share this video with several images of us nursing to help convince you, I'd greatly appreciate if you would consider us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fishM1g9Xw4
I have a wife and together we have two daughters, one of which is seven year old Wendy, whom a judge just approved me to adopt. It's rather exciting news for us. The second is our almost sixteen month old, Ginger. We had her in the very same room I type this response in, our living room. There's a faded blood spot on the couch where she was born. I had imagined the beauty that there would be when she was born. That moment was postponed however while we waited for her to take her first breath. Ten minutes later, with a little CPR from one of our midwives, we finally got to formally say hi. She's doing just fine now. Thank goodness our midwives weren't the crazy hippies with no professional experience that some of our family and friends thought them to be. Wendy was there for the whole labor and delivery, and when my wife Kirsten asked, "Wendy, is it a boy or a girl?" Wendy stared at Ginger's private area and said, "I don't know!"
The MamAmor Dolls represent birth and motherly nurturing the way we were naturally intended to do so. It's something that my wife and I feel strongly about, and we intend for our daughters to feel the same way. We would love to have this doll as a gift to them. It would be a wonderful way for Wendy to remember the experience she shared with us, and for her and Ginger both to always be reminded of the strength and love their mother has. Hopefully it would travel with them through childhood and end up in the hands of their children, and so on.
Please consider us for this Giveaway.
Thank you,
Dustin.
A teaching (and ofcourse loving) tool like your beautiful dolls would be an incredible addition to my 'teaching toolkit'. I want my boys to know how special, powerful and empowering birth can be, even if they will never be able to experience it themselves as I was blessed to experience. I was able to have two natural births, but I feel it is also important for them to learn a birth is sacred no matter how the child comes into the world. Every birth is an incredible miracle!
I hope that someday they can share the life changing experience of watching their own child be born with a loving partner and see for themselves why each of their births will forever be the highlights of my and their fathers lives, and how much of a blessing they have been to our lives. To be able to show them the miracle of birth in a level a child can understand is a beautiful thing and your dolls make this possible!
Thank you so much for your consideration in our entry. With love from Kingston!
Amber and sons Henry and Elliot
Hi, My Name is Nita Eaton. I am a 25 year old wife and mother of two. A angel baby boy,who passed away when he was 18 months and a beautiful baby girl of 9 months. I love my family more then anyting.
My pregnancies are extremely hard. I am actualy diagnosed with suvere morning sickness, called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. I am in and out of the hospital and frequently get IV fluids. The reason why I am telling you this, is that I went through hard pregnancies and will go through it all again for my children. Each of my children are more precious then anything to me and were worth all that I went through for them.
I believe that pregnancy and birth even though hard to what ever degree you experience it, is one of the most beautiful and special times in ones life. A time where a mother protects and intimately cares for her little one as he/she grows and gets ready to meet the world.
I believe that my home would be the best for Anastasia because of what a beautiful reminder she is of the miracle pregnancy, birth and the bond of breast feeding. Most importantly though Anastasia would be a beautiful way to teach my little girl about the beauty of life and how she came to our family.
I am also a dula in training. Anastasia would be an absolutely wonderful help, as I teach others about the beautiful jurney of birth and breastfeeding.
this is not the most eloquent of stories or reasons but I can promise Anastasia would be well used, appreciated and loved by me, my little girl and all those families who I will suport .
Thank you so much
-Nita
I have and will continue to share and let others know about your beautiful dolls.
PS sorry about the deleted comment above, I accidentally posted before I was ready. :)
We have been working on a plan for this community space for several years now and it is finally (all stars have aligned) going to happen this spring!!! We can't wait to be able to offer our space to families in our community since so many need the support and love of those around them. Parenting is a tough gig in today's busy fast, paced world. We are going to be here to offer a safe, comfortable and home like place for moms, dads, babies and children to come and meet friends, learn valuable information and just spend time with others.
This doll would be perfect for our community! I can't even begin to think of the uses - birth preparation classes, breastfeeding classes, introducing baby to siblings. Doula's and postpartum doula's, along with our local midwives (who we collaborate with so regularly) would highly benefit from the use of this doll for demonstration purposes, information sessions and sharing with their clients. She would become a part of our community on a larger scale, helping so many families, children and community members.
We hope that you consider how much of an asset this doll would be to not only to our space but our community!
For more information about our shop and what we do you can email me at natalie@go-greenbaby.ca
I recently started an online course so I can be a WAHM in a couple years so, needless to say, my plate is full. I know it's going to be worth it.
Please choose us to be Anastasia's family. I know my son would love her so much.
Jenny M
In the time that we've known each other I have tried very hard to bring home a baby. I have had 4 early miscarriages and another loss at 21.5 weeks (another daughter) due to a failed vaginal cerclage. I have an incompetent cervix. Through all of this she has been my rock. She has been so sensitive about the topic of children. And had celebrated every day that I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter. She helped me through the death of her as well. Just last week I traveled from Mi to Chicago to receive a transabdominal cerclage. This cerclage is permanent and will give me a 100% success rate of having a full term child. Now because of the surgery I've had to save money and could never afford to get this doll for her. So I am telling you the story of our friendship because she deserves this doll. I'm hoping to save for one for myself someday.
Not only has she been amazing through my grief and her own but the way she birthed her last baby was absolutely amazing. I will link her story here because I could never tell it as beautifully as she did. She did it all by herself while taking care of her son and the dog. Her husband didn't make it home in time and she was alone. She is now a breastfeeding champ with her new daughter and I want to give her this doll as a gift because she deserves it. No one has been there for me more than her and she is one amazing momma <3 We share a sad bond and I wish we didn't but I am so grateful to have her in my life. Please consider her for this contest. I know she would appreciate it and it would make this angel mom very happy to give it to her.
This is her birth story
https://www.facebook.com/notes/jess-paez/the-unassisted-birth-story-of-isla-blythe/10151287597447206
(Silly bonus- Stacy is short for Anastasia! Although my full name is just Stacy...)
Thank you for all that you do! I see your efforts and appreciate them!
I would to love the chance to win one of your dolls. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Isabelle Rose, on November 5th- after a very difficult pregnancy. My fiancé and I are going to start thinking about trying for another little one in the next year and I would love to have the doll to help teach her about what’s going to happen mommy’s body. I have lupus, so being pregnant is very hard on my body and having something like a mamamore doll to help teach Isabelle would be so wonderful! With one of your dolls, I could not only show her what’s going to happen physically, but also how some things in our life may change. For example, she can help me make sure that the mommy doll is napping while she takes a nap as well (I suffered from debilitating fatigue while pregnant). I also love that your dolls don’t have the “perfect” body shape. I get A LOT of swelling during pregnancy (especially in my joints) and this is something that could be scary for Isabelle- so I could show her that the doll has “swollen joints” as well. ;) Lastly, I have a very increased risk of being put on bed rest during pregnancy, and we could work on teaching Isabelle what may happen if mommy has to stay in bed for long stretches of time. I absolutely adore your dolls! I am a stay at home mama working on a nursing degree (with the end goal of being a lactation consultant) so finances are tight right now. Your doll would be an excellent addition to our growing little family as well as our friends growing families (yes, we want to share her)! Thank you for this opportunity!
Love,
Kelsey
(and Isabelle Rose)
Over 6 years ago my husband and I were told at only 23 years old that we would never have children through our bodies. After some heavy consideration we decided that we would grow a family through adoption. We took our entire savings and then saved more over three years. Two years ago we adopted the most beautiful twins. They were a special needs adoption, everyone else was too frightened to commit but I took one look at their little faces and it was instant love. They were born at 29 weeks and spent 3 months in the NICU. I was there as soon as the NICU opened until they kicked me out each night. When they came home we tried to induce lactation because of my strong beliefs in the power of breastfeeding but also out of medical necessity, my girls were allergic to formula and in danger of needing to return to the hospital for lack of weight gain. I reached out to the universe and over 20 women shared their breastmilk with my babies and saved their lives. Many of these women have become life long friends.
A year ago we got the surprise of a lifetime, a positive pregnancy test! We knew that miracles could happen but never expected one so amazing. A week later my husband was laid off from his job. At 14 weeks we lost our little baby who we named River. Shortly after the miscarriage I hemorrhaged so badly that I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. I nearly lost my uterus but thankfully I came out in one piece.
Two weeks later my husband found out he had cancer, we were very blessed that it was a type that has a 96% cure rate with surgery. He had the surgery and we both came home to heal. Broken hearted we started to rebuild our lives with our girls.
In July we were shocked to see another positive pregnancy test but the fear of another late loss loomed over our heads. We tried to keep a positive outlook and low and behold we sit here now 33 weeks pregnant with a little girl. It has been an amazing journey to motherhood and I feel so very honored to live out my dream. We are planning a homebirth with our midwife so our girls can be a part of every step of this journey. They recently have had an extreme desire to talk about the baby and how it will enter the world, this doll would greatly help me describe what will happen in just a few short weeks.
Thank you for the amazing dolls you create and all the positive energy you bring to natural birthing!
With love,
Anya
[IMG]http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n497/AnyasGreenBaby/eggo.jpg[/IMG]
Love,
Laurie
I Know there are many wonderful deserving families who are writing in for this amazing give away. I thank you for considering us! As a Stay at home mom (past special Ed pre-school and kindergarten teacher) with 3 boys I don't really have the means to buy something like this for our children. But oh what a blessing it would be to give this to my 3 children to help them learn about the arrival of their twin siblings. I promise it will be love for many many years to come by our 5 children.
Thank you and what a wonderful product you are providing!
Smiles,
Gretchen and Nate Arnold
Jeremy, Cody, Colin and The TWINS!
gearnold@gmail.com
i had overian cancer when i was pregnant with my second child. i had to have rounds of chemo right after she was born and surgery while i was pregnant. was told i couldnt have any more babies. i went on to have 2 more beautiful baby girls. I am very close to hitting my 10 year remission date and my kids are my life!
It was a long dark and scary ride to the airport in that pretty box in which they sent me, but I know that was the only way that I could get safely to the arms of "Grandy". Grandy is my new Grandma and I wish you could have seen the smile on her face when she opened the package and saw me and my baby staring up at her. In fact, her smile was like the one on my face when I saw hers! It felt just like her daughter must have felt the days Stephanie gave birth to "Grandy's" other three grand babies. She knew that her babies would always be wrapped in Grandy’s arms of love and safekeeping whenever she was near.
Grandy breastfed all her four children til they were toddlers. Maddy was five and half! Yikes, Grandy knew how special it is to breastfeed and give birth naturally. I just know that I am going to have fun with Grandy and her beautiful family. Their home is so loving and warm here in Toronto. Grandy is a Kindergarten teacher who loves to sing, dance and play the guitar and the flute.
The sweet sounds of music fill her home and Atti, Ever and Iggy will play with me when they visit Grandy. I will be so cherished here. Grandy used to make dolls like the Waldorf dolls when her children were young and she loves them and keeps each and makes sure that each and every dolly is in a safekeeping place. I know that my life with her is going to be ever so special. I think she has a special place where I will stay in her bedroom. Oh wow…this is so warm and comforting. I think I can hear Grandy singing a lullaby right now. Her children are musicians, so I am going to hear lots of music here. When her grandbabies visit, I think Grandy will take pictures of us together and send them back home to you guys! Grandpa loves to cook and he and Grandy have the best friends who love to visit. I’ll bet that Grandy will show me and my baby to everyone. This is going to be SO much fun here!!!
When Grandy gives speeches to teachers at the University about teaching Kindergarten..I think she said that she will take me with her!! LILAC, her puppet, that she uses for teaching, and I are going to get along well because we both love Grandy so much.
I like it here surrounded by all this excitement. Grandy likes to draw and said she might even draw baby and I.
You know what? I forgot all about that very bumpy ride on the plane getting to Grandy’s house and that silly but very pretty and safe box I travelled in! It was all part of getting here. Grandy says that all good things are worth the trouble! I’ll miss you and your family so much, but I know that you will all be comforted by knowing how very special my Grandy is. Grandy's real name is Joanne.
It is because of this mountain of hatred that I decided to become a doula, to offer my services to any mother that was looking to have an Uplifted Birth experience. So that they could take charge of their experiences, have support of a like minded person.
I want my girls to be raised in a loving and accepting home, somewhere they feel the would not have to shy away and be embarassed about being a woman. I celebrated with my eldest daughter when she first entered menses, taking her out for a special dinner to celebrate the momentous occassion. Is it funny that I can remember the date of her first period, but can not recall my own? I plan to do the same thing with each of my girls.
In my home I have begun a small collection of many things symbolizing fertility, childbirth and womanhood. My favourite piece was rescued from the trash bin, a childbirth model of mama and full term fetus. I love using it to show my girls what is happening inside and outside a woman when they are expecting.
Anastasia belongs to our family! She is the perfect doll BECAUSE she has a newborn and a toddler....especially seeing how I have continued to nurse my 3 yr old.
I would love to see Gretchen win this doll to help teach her little boys about the upcoming birth of the TWINS!! Gretchen is such a caring, kind individual with truly a special place in her heart for breastfeeding. She has been the best leader a breastfeeding mom could ask for! She has really helped ease our family's worried and stresses with nursing, no matter what problem arises. I would love to see Gretchen welcome Anastasia to her growing family!
My name is Kim, and I would LOVE to bring Anastasia home.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am a doula, childbirth educator, lactation consultant. I also coordinate a program which supports pregnant, and new parents for up to a year after their baby is born. My program supports mamas of all walks of life. I like to use teaching tools that transcend language, and literacy levels. I teach prenatal, lifestyle and parenting skills to teen mamas, mamas who live in poverty, mamas who are new to Canada, as well as mamas who are well resourced. I strive to create a sense of an inclusive community for all families by facilitating a free hot lunch program which welcomes whole families including older siblings and extended family members. If Anastasia came home with me, she would be used as a teaching tool not only for birthing, and breastfeeding classes, but she would be available for grandparents, aunties, and siblings to play with. Anastasia will help families see that birthing, breastfeeding and baby wearing are normal and natural.
Ideally my program could afford to buy one of your beautiful dolls, but we are constantly looking for donations and fund-raising opportunities, because like most community based programs we are grossly underfunded. Our weekly hot lunch group cooks food to feed 50 people, and our budget is only $50 each week.
Please know that if Anastasia came home to me she would be loved and adored by many mamas, babies and whole families for many years
Thank you
Kim
She takes pride and joy in seeing her 5 year old daughter taking on the love and intuition of birth that she has taught her. Brianna delights in teaching children, especially little girls, that natural birth and breastfeeding babies are natural, glorious and should not be feared.
As a student midwife she is looking for opportunities to grow and better her abilities to teach and enlighten families to make the best educated choice for themselves. Anastasia would help her accomplish just that by showing them a beautiful and happy doll that gives a such a positive light on birth and breastfeeding. Especially in such a tangible way.
I am so grateful to Brianna for sharing her passion and inspiring me to have a home birth and seek more natural ways to life. I know she will continue to influence many others.
Please consider Brianna for the home of Anastasia and help her spread such valuable information to others.
Thanks
That night, I took one of my baby dolls and pretended to give birth to her. I had my dress jammies on because I knew you couldn't wear pants when giving birth, layed in my bed, spread my legs, put my baby in my jammies and and slowly (and apparently audibly), 'gave birth' to my dolly. I must have been rather loud at doing so (doing the traditional "hee hee hoo" you see on t.v. My Mom came in to see what was going on and I'm sure once she walked out of that room, she fell to the floor and nearly died laughing. Being a mother of 2 young boys myself (3 and 1.5), I can only imagine the overwhelming feelings of happiness and laughter. Walking in to unpredicted pure curiosity, honest imagination and the most true form of 'playing house' ever witnessed!
My husband and I are now due with our 3rd baby. I would love to have Anastasia, so I can show/explain birth to my boys in a more 'real' but less graphic way. As memorable as it would be to catch one of my boys 'giving birth', I believe having this special aid/doll, they can play with and practice on, may save them from possibly one of the most embarrassing story of their lives :)
- Christa H B
Amy Black Bear.
Anastasia and baby should definitely come and live with us, and become one of our family members, not only immediate family, no, I am talking about the Military Community at Fort Sill. My husband has been serving the military for more than 16 years and I have been living the military life for more than 13 years.
I am a mommy of three beautiful children, a wife, a certified Doula, a Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding Educator and Infant Massage Instructor at Fort Sill and surrounding areas here in Oklahoma. I am in the process of getting my Placenta Encapsulation as well. Down the road I am hoping to become a midwife.
Anastasia and her beautiful baby could help me educate families here and since I work closely together with the ARMY Community Service (New Parent Program) they could even benefit from Anastasia. I found my true passion and love to pass on my knowledge. So, here is my plea... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let Anastasia and her baby live with me!!!! They will have a life filled with lots of attention and love guaranteed! <3
I just wanted to say, with the controversy about birthing and trusting the process, and nursing and it being cloistered, and all the rest of that jazz that complicates publicizes this very individual process... it is just nice to see something beautifully simple.
That doll... she is great. She should have a family option, however, (for those where birthing is a family event) as in my only medicalized experience, had I not seen the eyes of my husband through his blue paper costume and mask, and had I not heard his voice signing with me "Some say I got Devil by Melenie" as my son was taking his first breath... I would not be the same person today. Good luck ladies and gentlemen. You all deserve a doll :) .
Liz McChesney
I'd love to win because these dolls are great!
I had never seen this dolls before and I'm sure that if I'd win it then the mothers of my daughter's friends ..they all will want it for their daughters :)
I'd like to be the first!
I really like this educational dolls!
I'd love to win because these dolls are great!
I had never seen this dolls before and I'm sure that if I'd win it then the mothers of my daughter's friends ..they all will want it for their daughters :)
I'd like to be the first!
I really like this educational dolls!
my email is tutteinseme@live.it
Greetings from
Annelie
Being a military spouse as well, I know that she could get called to follow her husband anywhere, which would only broaden the lives she touches. Her meek and humble spirit should not be mistaken for weakness or shyness. She is a brave woman from Germany that has confronted a life as a US military wife head on, using her opportunities to help people learn, as she has grown and educated herself.
All in all, Jasmin would care for, use wisely, and touch lives with this doll. I can't imagine that anyone would want anything more or less for this doll than what she would be able to provide. Please seriously consider her as the recipient. Thank you.
I think Jasmin is one in a million. She has the very rare and special gift to give you the feeling to be home and welcome and loved.
I feel blessed to have her in my life and honored that I may call her my friend.
I hope Anstasia and her baby will become part of Jasmin's family and will help her doing the wonderful job she does as a doula.
Vanessa
This doll would be the PERFECT compliment to our family! I am have been a nursing mother for 8.5 years straight and am surrounded by little girls all day long. I am a stay at home mother, care giver, foster parent, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Educator, sister to a midwife and friend of many doulas.
Although my first child was born in hospital early because I had pre-eclampsia that didn't stop us! We found our nursing rhythm quickly with the help of my wonderful midwife. She offered the most valuable advice. Stay in bed and always keep your baby close. Listening to her was the smartest move I have ever made. It allowed me to connect with my child and continue to have that bond with her that will last a life time. She loved to nurse so much that she didn't even want solid food until way after 14 months old! She nursed until she was 5 years old. She is growing up to be a lover of her body, in tune with the world around her and close to the earth.
Four years later my second was born at home in a birthing tub. Who better to lead the way than my 4 year old daughter, sitting eager at the other end of the tub holding a flashlight to lead the way as her aunt and midwife guided the baby out gently. I was so thankful to have my little helper there and for her to witness the wonderful miracle of birth at such an early age. My second is still nursing 4 years later and I plan to nurse her as long as we are both willing.
Needless to say "birth the baby" and "midwife" have been a steady part of imagination play for all the little girls in the house. We talk about birth often and it is a natural part of life for them. So much so that my now four year old was just caught saying "I think the baby is coming...the leg is hanging out!" I want them to feel that they know their bodies and confident to birth the baby no matter what happens.
I am a believer in natural childbirth and believe that all woman are capable of it. I want to provide the tools needed to all the little girls in my life to be powerful, courageous, confident in their bodies and full of love. This doll would help the 4-6 little ones in my care on a daily basis to play, imagine and love.
Thank you for making a wonderful product and for considering our family!
Claire Naranjo-Vargas
meltsoutofhabit@yahoo.ca
My name is Andrea Meier and I am a single mother to two babies, my son Maximus, fifteen months, and my daughter, Adelaide, three weeks.
Their father left without a forwarding address when I was four months pregnant with Adelaide.
I raise them now with the help of my own wonderful mother. As you can see we are a very female-centered household.
I breastfeed both my babies and feel that it brings me even closer to them. This is one reason that I resonate strongly with Anastasia, she, like myself, is the nursing mother of both a toddler and an infant. I also love how strong she appears.
I feel like I have been beaten down in certain ways over the last six months; struggling to pay my rent and bills alone to dealing with the sad fact that my babies' father literally stole from my children and I and no longer wants anything to do with us. I need the kind of strength that you can see in Anastasia, clearly as fierce as a mother lion.
I'm getting there. I will raise my babies, by myself, and try not to feel like a victim. Not of their father, not of circumstances. But rather I will fully realize how lucky I am to have my beautiful, marvelous children.
I think that having Anastasia come and live with us would be a great celebration of my last two years, of pregnancy and birthing two babies, to nursing them and holding them as closely and tightly as I can. To being everything to them and teaching them not to ever be afraid. She would remind me to persevere no matter the obstacle and be the parent my children deserve.
I see Anastasia as the strong and beautiful single momma that I want to be.
She would be loved by both my daughter and my son, they could learn of the beautiful mystery of birth from her and the role of the mother in nurturing her babies from birth through childhood. And hopefully she could help them realize that a mother, by herself, with the help of a very kind grandmother, can be enough.
Thank you for this opportunity. I have shared MamAmour on Facebook, Pinterest, through e-mail and in real life as much as I can. I am subscribed to your newsletter as well. I love how your company supports women and makes the feminine role magical and strong.
Love, Andrea Meier ameier2323@gmail.com or ameier23@hotmail.com
Please look at the photos I have linked here as I cannot figure out how to add them to this post, the first is of both my babies nursing for the first time and myself, heavily pregnant and ready to meet them! The second is my babies, alone and together. <3
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l583/ameier23/A23DAAC8-56D9-49E1-86ED-82B35D9F41B7-1812-0000013E68BBD224.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l583/ameier23/6399DE1F-99C1-4F46-8E87-D6861D00DB14-1812-0000013E74C4205B.jpg
a precious bundle came to stay.
With hair tinged red and a cute lil face,
my little Calliope had found her place.
We had birthed together my baby and I,
hard work and love with a tear in my eye.
By far not my first and not my last,
but just as special as those in the past.
Unlike each other, each birth is just one
I don't think it matters how it was done.
Unique is each story, a moment to share,
mother and baby.....midwives that care.
Anastasia is perfect, pretty and strong,
something like that could never be wrong.
Convince you, you said that she may come stay
so here is my prayer to send her my way.
Dear MamAmor I do promise to treasure her right,
keeping her close and hugging her tight.
Teaching my daughters as they love her and play,
to be proud as women and cherish the day.
Entrust us with her cos we'll love her so,
a happy, better home she'll never know.
We want her so much, with her fire and spice,
And a toddler too....that's extra nice.
Squished and cuddled and taken to bed,
adored, kissed and kept like a favorite ted.
We thank you so much for this fabulous chance,
and hope that we're picked cos then we will dance.
.........................................................
Shared on FB :)
Good luck everyone!
Eleanor's pregnancy was very easy. I felt great and worked until nearly the end. Her delivery; however, was awful. I was in labor for 36 hours, was given antibiotics I was allergic to, and ended up with a retained placenta and a post partum hemorrhage.Breastfeeding was, thankfully, very easy with her and she quickly became quite chubby and adorable. I was haunted by what happened during her delivery and found myself very, very depressed. I resolved to have a home birth for any future babies.
However, when she was only 9 months old I learned that I was pregnant again despite constant nursing and never having a period. Cora's pregnancy was nothing like muy first. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis and vomited every day until 34 weeks, when I only vomited MOST days. I could barely function or take care of my very active toddler. In addition, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and a condition called choleostasis of pregnancy which results in constant itching and can cause fetal death. Homebirth was quickly off the table, but I managed to find a very natural birth oriented OB who encouraged me to continue nursing Eleanor and supported my desires for a hands off delivery. Cora came into the world after only 3 hours of labor at 37 weeks. We barley even made it to the hospital!
Because she wasn't quite term, she had a lot of trouble nursing. She lost over a pound and I was having to pump and supplement after every feed. To make matters worse she contracted RSV at 3 weeks old and was not permitted to nurse at all because it dropped her oxygen saturation too low. For almost three weeks I exclusively pumped and futilely tried to get her to latch with a shield, without a shield, and in every position imaginable. This was the very worst time for me. I was exhausted and not being a very good mother to Eleanor. I took endless supplements and barely slept because I woke up every 3 hours to pump. I was put on medication for depression, which helped a lot. I wanted to give up pumping so badly, but my husband helped me through. I am proud to say that she has been 100% on boob for almost a month. As of last night at breastfeeding support group she weighed 14lbs and took in 5 ounces in one feed!
I want to win this doll for Eleanor, who has been through so much these last few months. It was probably her continued nursing that saved my supply, and she is just such a great big sister in every way. She deserves to have a wonderful present for this. We are very poor and have many, many medical bills fromt his as well as my husband's chronic health condition. I really could not hope to be able to afford one. It would mean so much to me if my little girl could ahve a doll to play with that is so very like her own family!
While we have mostly great supportive doctors here- our hospitals are tiny. Like one story, 20 rooms tiny. So while the drs are fabulous, their options are severly limited by insurance costs. There is little to no childbirth education classes and very little breastfeeding education. We also have a lot of young women becoming mothers for an area so small. Anywhere from 15-early twenties being mothers for the first time. And a lot of them go into birth pretty much blind.
As a young mother myself- my first was born in the hospital at 19- I understand the fear, and being mowed over because of age. I was very well educated and prepared-but they still instilled fear and uncertainty in me and ravaged my first birth experience. I came out of that experience with a purpose- to stop this kind of advantage-taking and misinformation from happening wherever I could. I became a midwife. It took a lot of sacrifice from my family, and myself- but I finally got there. I moved back to this corner of the state to provide a much-needed service to the women in my area.
Unfortunately- its been slow going . I really need a bit oif better levertage to get into this community. I think that opening free educational classes for these girls and women would be a blessing to this community. There really are no other resources. Ive heard from girls begging for VBACs (our hosoitals will not allow them) because they went in young- were told they couldn’t push out a baby because they were too small- and ended up with cesereans. Most women out here have on average 5 children. That is a LOT of repeat cesereans. Not only is it life threatening but they are being robbed of their births from the very start.
With Anastasia I can use her as a resource with my scraped together CBE materials (you all know how much those are) and start branching out in my community, helping more and more women than just those ‘crunchy mamas’ who want to homebirth.
I also now have an (almost oh my word) one year old daughter. Maybe one day she will follow in my footsteps and continue the tradition I set for her. If she does- Anastasia would be used not only in one generation of midwifery care but several.
Your work has touched the lives of so many, and made a huge difference in the birth community. Id love to be able to share Anastasia with my community. Thank you so much!
Here is a video of me-saying basically the same thing. But you can sort of meet me (and my four year old who video bombs it lol)
http://youtu.be/erAG4YY7Vak
in case the other link doesnt work
EVERY woman deserves a MamAmor doll... But Anastasia deserves to be mine because she calls to me, everything about her! When I first saw MamAmor dolls, I vowed that, one day, I would own one. And not just one, but a multi-color haired one - as my hair is naturally multi-hued as well. Her hair has strands of red in it, and so does mine; red holds such symbolism for me, it is the color of fire and blood, and is associated with energy, strength, power, determination passion, desire and love! All of which embody the passion and purpose, the raw emotions, of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the title of 'mama'. My calling surrounds me with this raw power and emotion and I would love the opportunity to share that, through her, with the clients I work with.
Why else does she deserve me? Names mean so much to our family! I love her name; Anastasia's name means resurrection! She is the embodiment of life and the impossible! I have never won anything in my life, so the possibility of me winning her is slim - which would only help to reinforce her given name! Also, so many women come to a point in their pregnancy, birth, or parenting journey where they believe they have come up against an impossibility - she will be a testament to the possibilities that lie in the impossible. She, being the literal embodiment of life, will help to convey that to the women that I work with and to myself, on my journey toward midwifery and while working as a doula.
Another reason is her flower. My desk (I wish I could show you) has a number of cloth flowers on it, including one nearly the same shade as hers. I use these as a reminder that 'living beauty' is fleeting (we grow older, flowers wilt and die, etc...), but to be timelessly beautiful (who we ARE, not what we look like) is a much higher calling. She is timelessly beautiful and my hope is to convey that to every family, every parent, every child that I interact with - they all have timeless beauty within themselves!
Anastasia and I belong together - I will care and love for her like none else. She will be a constant and gentle reminder of every good and perfect thing that I strive to BE and to help PROVIDE for myself and those that I work with. And, when the time comes, she will become a family heirloom as well, I will be able to pass this beautiful gift on to my daughters (4 of them), to remind them, and their daughters, and their daughters daughters as well. In that way, our work will never be forgotten - and the seed will continue to be sown.
We are strong active members of our AP community and do a ton of volunteer consulting and teaching in northern Ontario, Canada. As a mom to 7, your dolls are something that would never be in our budget, but would touch not only our children's life, but hundreds of lives as we use her to spread the message of natural nurturing partenting. Thank you for considering us!!
In addition, I am a CAPPA certified childbirth, teen, and lactation educator; antepartum and postpartum doula; and lead WIC breastfeeding peer counselor. I am also finishing my doctorate of education, pregnancy fitness educator, postpartum doula, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (finances are obviously tight). I mostly work with low-income families, who have high birth intervention and and low breastfeeding rates; however, I also train CAPPA lactation educators and WIC breastfeeding peer counselors. Anastasia would also be a beautiful teaching tool that I could utilize in my classes to demonstrate chilbirth and breastfeeding. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Katrina Fuller
katrina.fuller@naturalnesters.com
www.facebook.com/naturalnesters
www.naturalnesters.com (under construction)
I am a married, mother of three children (2 girls and 1 boy), who were all born at natural home waterbirths facilitated by a midwife and breastfed until they chose to self-wean at 2.5 years, 5+ years, and 3+ years (the latter two are still tandem nursing). Anastasia would be a beautiful representation of our family, serving as an model of attachment parenting for my children to learn from. I have been entering your MamAmor Doll giveaways for a year or two now, hoping that my family will one day be blessed with the addition of one of your unique creations. After I post this and once I get home, I will once again share the news with my friends, family, and colleagues, and on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. I am already subscribed to your newsletter.
In addition, I am a CAPPA certified childbirth, teen, and lactation educator; antepartum and postpartum doula; and lead WIC breastfeeding peer counselor. I am also finishing my doctorate of education, pregnancy fitness educator, postpartum doula, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (finances are obviously tight). I mostly work with low-income families, who have high birth intervention and and low breastfeeding rates; however, I also train CAPPA lactation educators and WIC breastfeeding peer counselors. Anastasia would also be a beautiful teaching tool that I could utilize in my classes to demonstrate chilbirth and breastfeeding, hopefully inspiring families to improve their birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Thank you for your time, creativity, generousity, and consideration!
Katrina Fuller
katrina.fuller@naturalnesters.com
www.facebook.com/naturalnesters
www.naturalnesters.com (under construction)
I was home schooled all my life and graduated in 2011 when I was 16 years old, three weeks later I started training to be a midwife assistant, monitrice, birth doula and postpartum doula, and having Anastasia would be so wonderful to help my clients learn about birth in a visual and gentle way. I have wanted a MamAmor doll for years, but simply could not afford one. I volunteer all my doula work to women in my area.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Lainey's Labor of Love, Elaine Hutchison
I Thessalonians 1:3
laineyslaboroflove@hotmail.com
For you, I could not be crazier.
Crafted with such care and skill,
I have a yearning only you fulfil.
I must now try to win your heart,
Through this most ancient art
Of writing rhyming words, to say -
Come to me, my love! Over to the UK!
Come to me and bring your babes,
We'll drink cups of tea and chat for days.
I'll stroke your hair of red and cream,
And kiss your eyes of purest green,
(and the space where your nose should have been).
I'll softly touch your freckled cheeks,
And massage your perfect crochet-clad feet.
My promise to you is that you won't be loved more,
So cross the Atlantic and come ashore.
Come, let our lives intertwine,
Please, Anastasia, be my Valentine!
From a pregnant, homebirthing, toddler nursing, Mamamour-doll-stalking Mama
I'd love this doll, not only for my only girl (who shares all of her 5 brothers toys) but also for the kids that join their moms to my La Leche League information sessions every month.
My little girl loves dolls, loves to nurse her own dolls, I'm sure she'd be absolutely thrilled if she could own her own nursing doll WITH baby.
All the best making your choice out of all these wonderfull moms!
I'd love to win this doll, not only for my only girl (who shares all of her 5 brothers toys ;o) bit also to take to my La Leche League meetings for the kids to play with.
My daughter adores dolls, LOVES to nurse them and I'm 100% sure she'd be totally thrilled to have a doll that not only nurses, but has babies too.
(I tried to enter before, but don't see it back, if this came in double please delete)
We provide a home-like community space where all are welcome and children can play while their mothers are helped to overcome breastfeeding challenges throughout the journey from birth to weaning. There is no cost to the mothers and the service is provided by our not-for-profit Australian Breastfeeding Association, which has been facilitating mother-to-mother peer support for almost 50 years.
This little doll, added to our small colloection of mother and baby dolls from around the globe, will entertain children while their mothers learn. She will reinforce the normality of birth and breastfeeding in a new generation who are away from their traditional cultures and will grow up in a society which normalises bottle feeding.
Finally, as a family-friendly workplace, one of our part-time staff brings her 2yo daughter to work every Tuesday. Immersed in a space dedicated to breastfeeding, this still-breastfed little girl mimics what she sees around her and illustrates the innate need of small children to see breastfeeding and copy it in their play. While adult women struggle beside her to attach their babies, she calmly shows them how with dolls and a perfect technique and it inspires the mothers to continue. She will love Anastasia and role model attachment parenting to those around her while they play.
Thank you for taking time to read this far.
Here is Ella showing how babies feed.
http://instagr.am/p/VVsemfGwYR/
I think kids should know how the birth process works and know it is natural and not to be scared of it. I think it would help normalize breast feeding, in the fact the siblings can learn about breasts and how their mom will be feeding the new baby. My kids know breast feeding is normal and natural, so they will grow up knowing about birth and breast feeding.
Thanks for this giveaway!
Gretchen is the strongest woman I know. She is always teaching - whether it is me, the La Leche League of Erie, or her boys, she does not hide the truth, she educates so people understand why things happen and that there are options. I know this doll will help her continue that education to her three boys about what will happen when their twin brothers/sisters join their family. I look forward to meeting them :)
My little girls love dolls and I would love for them to have a doll who breastfeeds and carriers her babies. That's what they're used to at home. I think it would also be good for my son to play with Anastasia because he already loves "breastfeeding" and "wearing" other dolls and babies. It's apart of his daily life and he should not be afraid to integrate it with play time.
Thank you for this giveaway!
best wishes,
Bonnie Robinson (bonandclyde AT hotmail DOT com)
best wishes,
Bonnie Robinson (bonandclyde AT hotmail DOT com)
best wishes,
Bonnie Robinson (bonandclyde AT hotmail DOT com)
best wishes,
Bonnie Robinson (bonandclyde AT hotmail DOT com)
My story is one filled with a lot of pain, regret, struggle, and triumph. I learned about natural birth while pregnant, and planned as best I could for it. I did not have a great support team around me, and was much on my own. Finances didn't allow for me to have a doula, but I thought my midwife would be enough. Unfortunately, though, I ended up in the hospital with an unnecessary cesarean. I have so much pain and regret about how I birthed my daughter. I learned so much after the fact of how my midwife made poor decisions on my behalf and how the doctor used scare tactics to force me to have the cesarean even though we could see my daughter's head. We struggled to breastfeed for 3 months, and I attribute it to the cesarean, her upper labial tie (which I didn't know about until she was over a year), and a lack of cultural support. However, my "failure" in birth pushed me to persevere with breastfeeding. I wouldn't quit, and was able to overcome the struggles we had, and I am still nursing my almost 3 year old (she will be 3 the 17th).
I want this doll to help my daughter grow up knowing that vaginal birth is normal and breastfeeding is normal. I still wonder how I will explain to my sweet daughter why she came out of my stomach instead of my vagina. But the more support I can have to show her not to fear her body, and not to fear birth; the more prepared my daughter will become!
Im hoping to be pregnant with my fourth so i wish to win it badly so i could show the kids how natural the birth is and appreciate it fully. Moreover im still tandem or triple nursing my 3 kids, aging 4,3,1. it is something natural for us. Having a doll that my girl could use to imitate the breastfeed and birth naturally, my child would LOVE it.
I am also the mama of two little girls (ages 4 and 2) who have grown up knowing that breastfeeding is just what we do in our family. I love that Anastasia comes with a toddler as well as a baby because my 2 year old just weaned at 27 months, which was emotional for both of us. The toddler would forever remind us of our special "milky snuggles" and the relationship that has gone along with them. Baby #3 is now on the way for us and both girls are very fascinated by the baby growing in mama's belly. My 4 year old is filled with questions of how exactly the baby will be able to get out. Anastasia would be such an amazing tool in helping her understand the beauty of birth. My girls already spend plenty of time tucking their babies under their shirts to offer "mama milk" and using blankets to tie their babies to themselves to "wear" them. A doll that does the same things would be adored by them (and me!) for sure!
And although I know Anastasia would be a wonderful addition to our family, I also know that if she came to live with us, she would spend plenty of time traveling to the homes of friends to help educate other families in the beauty of birth, breastfeeding, and baby wearing! Thank you so much for such an amazing giveaway! :)
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a482/K_Dolf/DearMamAmor_washout_fold_zps6584577d.jpg
-abigail
Since the profound experience of his birth and my breastfeeding struggles, I have decided to use my Masters in social work to work with expectant families. I have started my training to become a certified lactation consultant and childbirth educator. I am in process of becoming a volunteer board member for Birth Unlimited, who publishes Birthing Magazine (where our birth story was published in the most recent publication!). I am starting to specialize my practice in perinatal counselling and am beginning my studies with Pam England from Birthing From Within this May for Birth Story Listening. I also plan on working with Deaf and hard of hearing families, as I am fluent in sign language after being an interpreter for many years. This type of support and education is not available directly to many Deaf and hard of hearing families across North America. I hope I can support this special population in their first language both in person and remotely as a part of my work in birth and breastfeeding. This type of work also allows me to continue to be at home with all of my children when they need me, which is so important to both my husband and I. It means that we don’t have a lot, but we don’t mind the sacrifice.
Anastasia would become an important part of the work I would be doing with families. She would be a beautiful way of sharing the miracle of birth with families as they are preparing for a new arrival, and a lovely example of breastfeeding both an infant AND a toddler. I cannot think of a better way to teach children - mine included. Anastasia would also be a cherished member of our family, showing my children how their next brother or sister will be coming into the world when the time comes. If we don’t win Anastasia, I am sure I will buy a Mamamor at some point. They are so beautiful... but until the kids are all in school and I am working more, this is the only way that we will be able to have one in our home. She would be a very loved and cherished part of my practice and family should you chose us to be her forever family.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/300813818727116800
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
I want to win this doll so I can gift it to her so she can use it to help others in her career!
Also I think it would be a useful learning tool for her 3 year old daughter to see that babies dont come out of ladies mouths!! She will be able to understand what her mummy does and share my pride :)
Whoever wins I know will be worthy of it, but I think Anastasia could have a very fullfilling life with my sister helping many families with the beautiful process of pregnancy and labour :)
Good luck everyone who entered :)
Well I wasn’t quite sure where to start, so my first port of call was Urban Dictionary. Just because. They say Anastasia means; An extremely goddess like figure who boys will line up to tie her shoes for her. She has an amazing death stare and will not put up with being called a priss because she is a GODDESS. I thought that was pretty appropriate. I mean any woman who can be pregnant, give birth, breastfeed, wear her baby on her chest and still have time to accessorize with hairbands and clips is a goddess right!?
So then I looked it up on a regular site and it means ‘Resurrection’. And that’s how I was certain she was meant for me. I’m in the process of rebirth and resurrection in my life. I’m not going to tell you my ‘pity me’ story. I did that a few times after my traumatic birth experience and it doesn’t actually help.
I’m just going to tell you that I am strong because I laboured for 30 hours before I asked for an epidural. I am strong because when they told me she won’t change position and move into my pelvis, I said I want to keep trying. I am strong because after 40 hours I agreed to a caesarean. I am strong because I waited for 4 hours to hold my daughter. I am strong because I did not give up on breastfeeding her even when I had lots of problems. I am strong because I learnt to forgive myself for what happened and be grateful for every day I have with my beautiful daughter.
My birth experience was not how it should be. I have learnt alot. Since the birth of my daughter I trained as a Doula and Dancing for Birth instructor. I love pregnancy and I love birth. I know it can be amazing, even if my experience told me something else. This year I am going for gold - I have applied to become a Midwife.
I would love to have Anastasia as part of my family. I would love to show my daughter that women can birth with smiles on their faces. I would love to share her with friends and with clients and with the other children I work with.
We just love babies and boobies! I can assure you ANASTASIA will be right at home with us!
xxx
Once upon a time there was a little girl named OmKara
and she dreamed of becoming a Goddess, a mother-
And she remembered that when she was born for three days
she was taken away from her Mother to be cared for by others-
And she felt the pain of separation
No early bonding could take place-
No breast was offered, nor golden elixir of maternal love
ever trickled down her face-
She vowed that she would one day become a great birth goddess
a loving and kind mama, and an amazing midwife-
Being there to help other Mother's as they birth their babies
Together as they belong, in the powerful and mysterious current of creating life-
She grew up and became a dedicated Doula, a determined aspiring Midwife in an illegal state,
a peace promoting prenatal yoga instructor, & a rebozo wearing, blissfully nursing
ecstatic homebirthing mama of two-
And all her Love and compassion poured forth from the heart of the Divine Mother,
the great Goddess, flowing from the endless and unfathomable
cosmic ocean blue-
She adored and worshipped the great Mother with flowers,
fruit, prayers, and food-
She sang, and played her songs, danced with the children
immersed in her many moods-
A magnet for Love, Motherhood is her true hearts calling,
She spends her days doing all that makes her heart leap and sing-
She cares for, guides, and supports her young son and daughter
Loving them truly, intensely, deeply more than anything-
And one day she saw her, Anastasia, she was no ordinary doll
OmKara gasped for she was clearly a birthing goddess, radiating a strong Love energy-
So purely obvious she was hand-made of true Love
created with patience, gentleness, grace, and beauty-
OmKara wished at that moment like a small child
with all her heart and soul-
That Anastasia could come and live with her
fulfilling her special part of the Whole-
Anastasia is meant to be shared, bless, and give warmth, demonstrating natural birth
To many mothers, fathers, and siblings to be-
Her work is so priceless and tremendously needed,
At Amma Prema she can live her destiny, sharing all that birth energy-
A shawl has already begun being knitted by hand
especially for her today-
A space of Love is being created for her, baby, and toddler
To come to NC, USA without delay-
Will these two birth goddesses unite?
Only the amazing creator of Mamamor can decide-
The Divine Mother is laughing for it's all her "play"
and says "Remember, it's in the light of your heart that Mother resides!"
by OmKara Ma aka Elaine
Please visit www.ammaprema.com, to learn more about OmKara Ma and her work, and the non profit center Amma Prema in Clayton NC, USA -dedicated to empowering, educating, supporting, connecting, & uplifting mothers and families!
I have been following you on blog/FB ever since I found you on Etsy in 2009 and you made a doll for my niece, I have wanted one ever since !!! Love all the pictures that you have posted in Nicaragua :)
I am a mom of 2 boys - I had my first scheduled c-section because he was "too big" - he was 11 lbs. FOr my second I got a new dr, new hospital and hired a doula - and I had my son at 42 weeks 5 days, VBAC ! Oh and did I mention he was 11 lb 8 oz ?! :)
Professionally, I am a pediatric Registered Nurse, a certified breastfeeding educator, and also a certified infant massage instructor. I have been involved in LLL leadership in the past, and I am an avid breastfeeding promoter - I am still nursing my 2 year old son (the 11 lb 8 oz one :)
Thank you for what you are doing to promote birth, and for the opportunity to win a doll - I will continue to follow what you are doing and I hope to have one of your dolls someday !!
Thank you !!
We would love to share our home with Anastasia! I have always adored your dolls but on a military salary we simply could never afford such a beautiful doll and educational tool for our children.
This would be a great win looking forward to our unassisted home birth after cesarean this month!
Please check out the video that I made pleading our case :)
Thank you for the opportunity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2ziIKPop9o&feature=youtu.be
The birth of my sons completely changed my path in life. My first son awakened the joy of motherhood, a passion for breastfeeding and a love I never could have imagined. My second son embodied the peacefulness that his birth was surrounded by and my heart swelled to welcome this little soul into our lives. If it weren't for these amazing children and the beautiful gifts they've taught me about love, birth and the ability to trust in myself, I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to hear my calling to birth education and advocacy.
I believe that every mother deserves a doula and for that reason I'm often honoured in attending the loving births of low income families in my community on a volunteer basis. This doll would be an invaluable resource and teaching aid for not only my children but also my clients and the big brothers and sisters-to-be as well.
Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity.
The birth of my sons completely changed my path in life. My first son awakened the joy of motherhood, a passion for breastfeeding and a love I never could have imagined. My second son embodied the peacefulness that his birth was surrounded by and my heart swelled to welcome this little soul into our lives. If it weren't for these amazing children and the beautiful gifts they've taught me about love, birth and the ability to trust in myself, I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to hear my calling to birth education and advocacy.
I believe that every mother deserves a doula and for that reason I'm often honoured in attending the loving births of low income families in my community on a volunteer basis. This doll would be an invaluable resource and teaching aid for not only my children but also my clients and the big brothers and sisters-to-be as well.
Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity.
I am studying midwifery, and so is my 2 year old (who is currently hanging out in a spica cast with a fractured femur). He tells everyone that his mama is a "mid-wipe" and that babies eat "mommy milk!" (Ok, and sometimes he says boobies....lol). My family and the area I'm in are open to, but dont always understand by crunchy lifestyle.
I had a horrible birth experience that has led me to midwifery. I didn't know any better, and was induced, and 3 days later, when it didn't happen, I was sectioned. Seperated form my baby for 4 hours, then we just couldn't get breastfeeding worked out. I suffered severe post partum depression. My ministry is now midwifery. I trust God's design enough to leave it alone. If it wasn't perfect, he wouldn't have allowed His only son to be born of it!
Plus, Ive been begging for one of these dolls, and my husband says not until I have an office to put it in. I figure if I win it, he can't tell me no :)
I believe that both her and her family deserve to win this doll. It can be a sign of all of her strength as a mother and wife. Also could be a Great welcome baby #2 gift to add for a focal point for when she's bringing life into the world at home.
I shared this giveaway by word of mouth and email with my friends, family, clients, and colleagues (CAPPA, New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force, NM WIC). I also shared on my personal and professional social media accounts (see below). Thanks! :)
https://www.facebook.com/fuller.katrina
https://www.facebook.com/naturalnesters
http://www.myspace.com/katrina_fuller
http://www.myspace.com/naturalnesters
https://twitter.com/katrina_fuller/status/301486611273768960
https://twitter.com/naturalnesters/status/301487397177262080
https://plus.google.com/u/0/117021141594071980245/posts
https://plus.google.com/u/0/110216507562751484024/posts
http://pinterest.com/pin/262334747016651804/
Katrina Fuller shared MamAmor Dolls - Pregnant, Birthing and Breastfeeding Dolls's photo.
I entered this giveaway - I've been trying to adopt one of these dolls for a couple of years now. This would be the BEST Valentine's gift for my family and clients! ENTER HERE: http://mamamor.blogspot.ca/2013/02/mamamor-dolls-valentines-giveaway.html DEADLINE IS ON VALENTINES DAY!
I shared this giveaway by word of mouth and email with my friends, family, clients, and colleagues (CAPPA, New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force, NM WIC). I also shared on my personal and professional social media accounts (see below). Thanks! :)
https://www.facebook.com/fuller.katrina
https://www.facebook.com/naturalnesters
http://www.myspace.com/katrina_fuller
http://www.myspace.com/naturalnesters
https://twitter.com/katrina_fuller/status/301486611273768960
https://twitter.com/naturalnesters/status/301487397177262080
https://plus.google.com/u/0/117021141594071980245/posts
https://plus.google.com/u/0/110216507562751484024/posts
http://pinterest.com/pin/262334747016651804/
Katrina Fuller shared MamAmor Dolls - Pregnant, Birthing and Breastfeeding Dolls's photo.
I entered this giveaway - I've been trying to adopt one of these dolls for a couple of years now. This would be the BEST Valentine's gift for my family and clients! ENTER HERE: http://mamamor.blogspot.ca/2013/02/mamamor-dolls-valentines-giveaway.html DEADLINE IS ON VALENTINES DAY!
She says: "Mom what is the animal who lives under the sea?" and I answer "The dolfhin!" "Yes, mom!". Then she says to me "Now it's your turn". So I've asked to her "What is the animal who have in the paunch a baby?" I've thought a kangaroo and I was surprised when she answers "The Mother!" with a sweet smile. I think to be a woman is also to be a mother and it is our rule explain to our daughters become mothers is in our nature and these dolls are fantastic because are a learning and easy game!
Many people speak negatively because this game is explicit, I find naturally wonderful!
Good work MamAmor
Christina
The biggest reason for me hoping to win this doll though, is that we just lost Nikas grandfather to a tragic accident, and she has had grieving people around her for weeks. With all that she is extremely positive and understanding and tries to cheer people up!
This would be a dream doll that would make her happier than any bunny or bear that lives in her bed!
I would love to win her because she would be a fabulous addition to my work as a doula and childbirth educator. I work (free of charge) with a lot of teen moms and I honestly think a lot of them would enjoy this doll. I also teach young children sibling classes and I know this doll would receive a lot of love from the children awaiting the birth of a sibling.
Something so simple and so beautiful would be appreciated by many. Thank you for the opportunity to win this gorgeous momma.
I would love to win her because she would be a fabulous addition to my work as a doula and childbirth educator. I work (free of charge) with a lot of teen moms and I honestly think a lot of them would enjoy this doll. I also teach young children sibling classes and I know this doll would receive a lot of love from the children awaiting the birth of a sibling.
Something so simple and so beautiful would be appreciated by many. Thank you for the opportunity to win this gorgeous momma.
Without her wisdom and support, I don’t believe that I ever would have gone down the path that led to me still nursing my 2 ½ year old to this day or becoming a birth advocate. Our story is an old one. We’ve been friends for more than 15 years and so much of my success and happiness is due to watching and taking lessons to heart from her experiences. My best friend is a doula with plans to become a certified nurse midwife one day. She has two beautiful children that she is raising to love and respect their bodies for all they are and all they will be someday. I know that having a doll like this in their home would be a wonderful way for me to show my gratitude for all she has given me. In turn, I know Anastasia and her little ones would not be set up on a shelf high away, but would be truly and wonderfully loved and enjoyed by her family and clients.
I’ve attached a link to a video of my daughter telling you why Auntie Bo deserves a MamAmor doll and you’ll hear her tell you that it would be fun for every mama to have a MamAmor doll. And although I agree with my daughter and believe every mother would benefit from having one of your dolls, I’m hoping you’ll agree that my best friend deserves to have Anastasia. :)
http://youtu.be/Nr9doveT3ig
I have entered every contest posted in the hopes of winning one of your pieces of art for my hero- My Best Friend- but Anastasia takes the cake when it comes to how generous your giveaways have been! My best friend introduced me to natural birth when I thought it was impossible, which directly led me to having the most outrageously fun and wonderful birth experience that was so far beyond what I could have ever imagined. She had big plans for extended nursing before her daughter was born. And I encouraged her to do whatever was best for her and her baby while she breastfed and struggled with undiagnosed D-MER but persevered in their nursing relationship for 7 months before it was too much. Watching her experience helped me realize what kind of support I needed in place for nursing before my baby even came along. After she stumbled upon what D-MER was, she discovered ways to make breastfeeding with her next child more bearable and even enjoyable at a certain point. She had a personal goal to nurse her second child for one year and I think she made it one year and one day. :)
Without her wisdom and support, I don’t believe that I ever would have gone down the path that led to me still nursing my 2 ½ year old to this day or becoming a birth advocate. Our story is an old one. We’ve been friends for more than 15 years and so much of my success and happiness is due to watching and taking lessons to heart from her experiences. My best friend is a doula with plans to become a certified nurse midwife one day. She has two beautiful children that she is raising to love and respect their bodies for all they are and all they will be someday. I know that having a doll like this in their home would be a wonderful way for me to show my gratitude for all she has given me. In turn, I know Anastasia and her little ones would not be set up on a shelf high away, but would be truly and wonderfully loved and enjoyed by her family and clients.
I’ve attached a link to a video of my daughter telling you why Auntie Bo deserves a MamAmor doll and you’ll hear her tell you that every mama deserves a MamAmor doll. And although I agree with my daughter and believe every mother would benefit from having one of your dolls, I’m hoping you’ll agree that my best friend deserves to have Anastasia.
http://youtu.be/Nr9doveT3ig
Mommy and I really want Anastasia because it would help me (and the baby and our future siblings) learn right from the start that birth is a normal and it doesn't need to be scary. It would help us to truly know that it doesn't matter what others think, we can breastfeed in public, wherever our Mommy has a right to be. It would also help us to learn about babywearing (that sling that Anastasia comes with is super cool!) and how it helps us bond with our Mommy and Daddy. We think Anastasia would help us understand the importance of establishing a loving and trusting relationship in our family with making births, breastfeeding and babywearing normal. We can't wait to hear whether we get to welcome and love Anastasia in our family! Happy Valentine's Day!
I want to focus on the fact that this doll's name is Anastasia. That's not a name given lightly and she should wear it proudly. In high school I read a biography about Anastasia over one summer. It was homework but I really enjoyed the story. The fact they this little girl, who lost her whole family, could have survived amazed me. I love the message Anastasia sends to little girls. Be strong. Sometimes, when you are alone in the world, you have to be so strong it might even be scary. But if you hang on long enough, to something that means so much, like family, you can survive. Like in the Disney movie, Anastasia had no idea how much she was loved by someone she didn't even know. I also like the idea that every girl is a princess. No matter where you come from, who your parents are,for how much money you have.
My daughter is a princess and deserves the chance to be amazing, just like ever other little girl. I want her to have this Anastasia doll so she can learn about being an amazing mama.
She can learn to birth her baby, carry her baby, feed her any, and know that she is going to be awesome at being a mom, no matter what happens in life.
And guess what else! My name is Anastasia!!! That's my baptise name, the name of my grandmother!!
When my husband asked my what I wanted for gift for our 3rd baby I said no jewellery again, I just want something that Dorothea will have for the rest of her life to remind her of how strong she was since she was born, how much joy she brought us, how she made my dream come true, giving birth normaly after my two cesarians! And now I would love if I helped other women I know make their dream come true!
I nursed my kids for a long time, I believe in breastfeeding, I try to inform all my friends and help them with any questions or problems they may have. One of the best gifts for a pregnant friend is a book about breastfeeding or the first visit to a lactation consultant! Konstantinos nursed for 20 months, Achilleas is still nursing (37 monhts!!!) together with Dorothea, five months now!!!
I would be honored with I get Anastasia home! She would be so loved by our family!!
Good luck to everybody! I read many lovely stories, you will have a huge problem choosing for sure!!!
Happy Valentine's Day to all!! And a big thank you for this opportunity, you are very generous to share Anastasia with us!!!
The reason I would love this doll is first and foremost to include in my children's games and adventures. If I won Anastasia she would definitely take pride of place on my birth/breastfeeding altar, which comes with me wherever I work. She would be an amazing resource for breastfeeding classes; to demonstrate positions, tandem feeding, skin to skin, the breast crawl and to break the ice with an awkward group. And for birth preparation, again to show positions, to do beautiful role plays, inspire with stories.
I volunteer at festivals every year holding birth spaces and I could envision Anastasia being part of this; enthralling toddlers while their weary pregnant mothers offload a few woes; demonstrating slings (I could even make another few types!) and nappies. Maybe I could make a tiny potty for the baby to demonstrate EC!
Anyway thank you for your generosity - wherever your doll ends up, she will be doing important work in this world.
I entered FB today and first thing: Anastasia !!!!
I would love to have this gorgeous doll for many reasons!
I have 3 kids, two boys, Konstantinos (5,5 years old), Achilleas (3 years old) and Dorothea (5 months old).
I breastfed Konstantinos for 20 months, Achilleas is still nursing together with Dorothea! This means that our family loves and supports Breastfeeding! I always buy a book about BF to my pregnant friends or pay for their first visit to a lactation consultant.
I had my two boys with cesareans, in Brazil, as their normal births was not progressing. Dorothea on the other hand is a VBA2C baby, born in Austria, so you can imagine our joy and pride as a couple who made it!
When my husband asked my what present I wanted for our third baby I said I want a MamAmor doll for Dorothea ("Present from God" in Greek!) to have for the rest of her life to remind her of how brave she was since the day she came to our life, that she made my dream come true (successful VBA2C), and how happy she made our family!
And guess what! My name (baptised) is Anastasia! Two many coincedences! I think this doll is ment to come to our home! It will be an honor for us, she will be so loved by our family!
Many beautiful stories shared in this post, you will definately have a huge difficulty in choosing only one! Good luck to everybody! And a big Thank you for this chance, you are very generous to share Anastasia with one of us! Happy Valentine's Day!
I would love to make this beautiful doll mine for a few reasons:
1: She is me! Before I was diagnosed with cancer I use to have red hair, Now I have dark brown with a few red streaks, but I am a red head at heart! Currently I am breastfeeding my 18 month old daughter Quincy and I am 34 weeks pregnant! Breastfeeding this long and while pregnant is something I never thought I would do. After experiencing being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 23, I relearned how to live a healthy lifestyle. I strive to be a driving force within my family to promote health and wellness and this is one of the reasons I felt driven to succeed at breastfeeding.
2: Not only would I love her, and my daughter love her, I could use her as a teaching tool. After experiencing such an empowered birth I decided to become a birth doula. I began training while on maternity leave (July 2012) and have started up my very own small company. I educate, empower and support local women. I volunteer my time to help support and educate about birth and breastfeeding. My most proud moment was when I was able to help a mother who was a few provinces away from me find the answers she needed to breastfeed without supplementation. I did all of this over the internet, putting her in contact with local doulas and Lactation Consultants and referring her to online resources like Dr. Jack Newman. Through my breastfeeding experiences and challenges I have a huge respect for breastfeeding and the support needed as well as the belief that information should be easily available. When I am a more established Doula I would love to provide classes to families to help siblings understand birth and breastfeeding as I fully support children being involved in both of these. Anastasia would be perfect to aid me to help children understand the natural process of birth and breastfeeding!
3: Part of the reason I chose to become a doula was the strong pull I felt to remaining close to my daughter. I gave up a well paying job and chose to work from home as a training doula. This was one of the best choices I could have ever made. However, our family’s budget has been squeezed and stretched. After all I have seen in life, money is something that means little to me, I would rather live with purpose and we try to promote this within our family. I have a good life and we can provide for ourselves what we need but buying a MamAmor doll is out of our budget currently. I do plan on one day getting one as I absolutely love them and the message it sends to children. I strive to make birth a normal part of our culture and I feel educating children in a way they understand (“play”) is ingenious!
Thank you for the consideration,
Shannon Bedore (ShannonBedore@hotmail.com)
Training Birth Doula (Healing Arts Learning Org)
of Mamaroo Doula Service (available on Facebook)
Pembroke Ontario
I would love to make this beautiful doll mine for a few reasons:
1: She is me! Before I was diagnosed with cancer I use to have red hair, Now I have dark brown with a few red streaks, but I am a red head at heart! Currently I am breastfeeding my 18 month old daughter Quincy and I am 34 weeks pregnant! Breastfeeding this long and while pregnant is something I never thought I would do. After experiencing being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 23, I relearned how to live a healthy lifestyle. I strive to be a driving force within my family to promote health and wellness and this is one of the reasons I felt driven to succeed at breastfeeding.
2: Not only would I love her, and my daughter love her, I could use her as a teaching tool. After experiencing such an empowered birth I decided to become a birth doula. I began training while on maternity leave (July 2012) and have started up my very own small company. I educate, empower and support local women. I volunteer my time to help support and educate about birth and breastfeeding. My most proud moment was when I was able to help a mother who was a few provinces away from me find the answers she needed to breastfeed without supplementation. I did all of this over the internet, putting her in contact with local doulas and Lactation Consultants and referring her to online resources like Dr. Jack Newman. Through my breastfeeding experiences and challenges I have a huge respect for breastfeeding and the support needed as well as the belief that information should be easily available. When I am a more established Doula I would love to provide classes to families to help siblings understand birth and breastfeeding as I fully support children being involved in both of these. Anastasia would be perfect to aid me to help children understand the natural process of birth and breastfeeding!
3: Part of the reason I chose to become a doula was the strong pull I felt to remaining close to my daughter. I gave up a well paying job and chose to work from home as a training doula. This was one of the best choices I could have ever made. However, our family’s budget has been squeezed and stretched. After all I have seen in life, money is something that means little to me, I would rather live with purpose and we try to promote this within our family. I have a good life and we can provide for ourselves what we need but buying a MamAmor doll is out of our budget currently. I do plan on one day getting one as I absolutely love them and the message it sends to children. I strive to make birth a normal part of our culture and I feel educating children in a way they understand (“play”) is ingenious!
Thank you for the consideration,
Shannon Bedore (ShannonBedore@hotmail.com)
Training Birth Doula (Healing Arts Learning Org)
of Mamaroo Doula Service (available on Facebook)
Pembroke Ontario
(I have also shared this on Facebook from both my doula page and my private page & subscribed to the newsletter :) )
Between her being outnumbered by brothers and her interest in natural birth and mothering, I think this would be a wonderful prize for her.
- Liz Baer
phathui5@ hotmail.com
Katie Zuko (pinned and shared on facebook!)
I am another mother. I have discovered a part of me that would come with motherhood that would cultivate a better me forever. The first unexpected pregnancy was lost and I was crushed..there was confusion when I was pregnant again - and lots of fear. The birth was natural and life changing and traumatic. I suffered. i struggled. I wasn't the mother I thought I would be. The next baby would help me own that "I am mom". this is me. I had grown. fear was not allowed. I believed that birth could be gentle and cherished. I believed it and enjoyed it and it made me strong.
The difference inspired me - How greatly birth affects a woman's soul. How traumatic and unsettling the experience could be without the right support. Without the right outlook. There is a better way to do it and I wanted to support women on their journey. I would grow to be a gentle leader and guide moms to listen to their instincts. I would become a doula.
At some point after this I saw your dolls - my breath was taken away at first glance - they were me - that was me! The essence of mother and earthy and love and beauty and gentle - - i sat with my jaw hanging - taking deep belly breaths as I browsed the gallery - one lovely little mommy figure after another. My eldest child - a pre-schooler at the time - came up behind me - "is that you mama?" - yes. it is. From the hair to the sling to the boobs ready to pull out and nourish - that was me.
As I approached the birth of my next child - the thought began...could I guide women through their pregnancies and births? Could I take on that responsibility and midwife? My heart skipped - is that IT. is that what I needed to find in myself?
Today I am a mother. I have caught my own babies, I advocate and teach women how to successfully breastfeed - even when it's not easy - even if it means taping rubber hoses to your nipples! I've been there.
these are the experiences that have made me me and inspired me to celebrate the mother beside me. the mother I don't know. the mother that will be.
A mamAmor doll in my life - would bring me not just joy, but utmost inspiration. the reminder that THIS is me. This is MOTHER. And every mother needs inspiration.
Thank you for your consideration. thank you for capturing the essence of motherhood in a doll. What a masterpiece you have accomplished!
I am another mother. I have discovered a part of me that would come with motherhood that would cultivate a better me forever. The first unexpected pregnancy was lost and I was crushed..there was confusion when I was pregnant again - and lots of fear. The birth was natural and life changing and traumatic. I suffered. i struggled. I wasn't the mother I thought I would be. The next baby would help me own that "I am mom". this is me. I had grown. fear was not allowed. I believed that birth could be gentle and cherished. I believed it and enjoyed it and it made me strong.
The difference inspired me - How greatly birth affects a woman's soul. How traumatic and unsettling the experience could be without the right support. Without the right outlook. There is a better way to do it and I wanted to support women on their journey. I would grow to be a gentle leader and guide moms to listen to their instincts. I would become a doula.
At some point after this I saw your dolls - my breath was taken away at first glance - they were me - that was me! The essence of mother and earthy and love and beauty and gentle - - i sat with my jaw hanging - taking deep belly breaths as I browsed the gallery - one lovely little mommy figure after another. My eldest child - a pre-schooler at the time - came up behind me - "is that you mama?" - yes. it is. From the hair to the sling to the boobs ready to pull out and nourish - that was me.
As I approached the birth of my next child - the thought began...could I guide women through their pregnancies and births? Could I take on that responsibility and midwife? My heart skipped - is that IT. is that what I needed to find in myself?
Today I am a mother. I have caught my own babies, I advocate and teach women how to successfully breastfeed - even when it's not easy - even if it means taping rubber hoses to your nipples! I've been there.
these are the experiences that have made me me and inspired me to celebrate the mother beside me. the mother I don't know. the mother that will be.
A mamAmor doll in my life - would bring me not just joy, but utmost inspiration. the reminder that THIS is me. This is MOTHER. And every mother needs inspiration.
Thank you for your consideration. thank you for capturing the essence of motherhood in a doll. What a masterpiece you have accomplished!
Why do I deserve her? Well, I don't deserve her anymore than anyone else, really. But I would love to have her just the same. I am a La Leche League Leader and a Childbirth Educator. She would fit so beautifully into our little niche in the world. Not only would my children love her, so would all the people that we come into contact with on a regular basis. I am a big advocate of toddler and tandem nursing and I LOVE that this doll portrays that so sweetly and naturally.
My 4 year old is still nursing. As is my 17 month old. I think it would be so wonderful for them to see and play with this beautiful doll in the same ways that they see mom caring for them, and teaching others to care for their babies.
My oldest daughter is now 9. She nursed until she was 4 also. Now that she's getting older, she would be most interested in the childbirthing aspects of this beautiful creation. My son is turning 7, and while he may not openly show too much interest now in this area, I think it could be beneficial for him as well. 3 of my 4 children were born at home after an initial cesarean. And as a childbirth educator, you can imagine that we talk quite openly about the normalcy of birth. But still, I think it would be wonderful for them to explore this on their own with a doll, built just like them, and their mommy.
As a homeschooler and childbirth educator, I see so much potential in working this doll into our studies and classes. Not only would she provide play, but education as well. For my children, for my friends and their children, and for clients and their children! What a great and fun way to help explain to little ones where babies come from!
I appreciate the opportunity of this giveaway! And thank you for your consideration.
Amanda
Secondly, I am already signed up to receive your newsletter and I shared this giveaway on facebook and pinterest.
I’d also like to share why I would be so honored to be the lucky winner. My son Leo was born on July 14th, 2012, exactly seven months ago, after I was induced due to gestational diabetes and repeated high blood pressure. We started breastfeeding right after his delivery, but he just couldn’t seem to get latched and stay on my breast. After seeing the lactation consultant, I was told that I was doing everything right and he just wasn’t doing what I needed him to do. I was given nipple shields and they seemed to solve our problem. A couple of days later my little family of three left the hospital and went home.
My husband and I then took Leo for his first doctor’s appointment a day or two after that. We found out that Leo was very jaundiced and was a heartbeat away from being hospitalized because of it. We were sent home with a lighted blanket for him to wear 24 hours a day and told to be sure that he was eating at least two ounces every two hours. I was sure that his jaundice had gotten worse because he was having trouble latching and wasn’t eating enough, so I decided to pump and feed so that I knew he was eating enough to get rid of the bilirubin. Thankfully, his bilirubin level fell over a few days and life went back to normal, except for the fact that he wouldn’t breastfeed anymore and would only eat expressed milk from a bottle.
After seeing the lactation consultant again, I was simply told to just keep trying to establish breastfeeding. So try I did. For 7 more weeks, I would try to get Leo to latch, fail, and then pump for him. And I’m proud to say that not once did he ever have formula, but I still wanted to actually breastfeed. When Leo hit 8 weeks old, I was really getting discouraged. I kept hoping breastfeeding would click for us, but it hadn’t. I was worried that he was getting too old to switch from bottle to breast.
One night, I was after trying again and failing. I just wasn’t ready to throw in the towel so I again went online to look for support and information. I’m not sure what links I followed, but eventually I came across your dolls and I was incredibly moved and inspired by their beauty and their message. I just had to try one more time. Part of me just knew that if I just kept trying, it would click.
Literally right after finding and admiring your dolls that night, I attempted to breastfeed Leo and IT CLICKED! It just worked and everything was perfect! We have now been exclusively breastfeeding (no more pumping, yay!) since that very point!
I know it seems strange to attribute our success to a doll, but for me it truly was a turning point in our breastfeeding relationship. I truly feel that the inspiration and message from your amazing dolls gave us the support to get past the frustration and doubt and find our success. Even if I never have the honor of owning one of your gorgeous creations, they will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart and I thank you so much for them.
Thank you for your generosity and again, whoever wins is a very lucky person!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Julia
~Daizee
As much as I would love this beautiful doll to educate my girls, I want her for myself as well. I love what they represent, how they show the beauty that is motherhood. I unfortunately did not get to have the natural birth I always wanted. I tried my best, but after pushing for 2 hours my daughter wouldn't budge and I needed a c-section. She ended up being 11lbs 10oz! Daughter #2 also arrived c-section. I love that your dolls show not just natural birthing, but c-sections as well. I try my best to be the best mom I can be and having a teaching tool that they can also love would be amazing! Your dolls are one of the items on my "someday will have" list, something that I would love to give my girls when we are able to afford it. (We are in the starting out phase in our lives, so money is tight!) Dolls have always held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember and I hope to pass that love down to my children. If you choose my little family to be deserving of Anastasia we would be forever grateful and she would be loved and appreciated. I would be proud to have my little girls play with and show their friends such a beautiful doll!
I believe so passionately that breastfeeding should be as normalised as any other body function. All my children have “breastfed” their toys, seen babies being breastfed. My girls in particular take great delight in wearing their dollies around the home and out in public. Having a MamAmor Doll in our home is a beautiful way to continue the normalisation of breastfeeding, baby wearing and gentle parenting for my daughters as well as my son!
I am a doula and primary (elementary) teacher. After spending 8 years at home caring for my children, this year I am returning to work in the classroom. Sex education is part of what we teach here in Australia to 11 and 12 year olds. I love the concept of MamAmor dolls and the way they can help to gently educate children about the normality of birth, nurturing and breastfeeding. Anastasia would be such a lovely way to help children open up and ask questions they may otherwise be too shy to ask. Through her, the children would have the opportunity to learn in a nurturing and non-confrontational way about birth, breastfeeding, baby wearing and gentle parenting. It is so important that children realise that childbirth, nurturing and breastfeeding are ok and I know Anastasia would bring that to my classroom.
Thank you for this opportunity to win Anastasia. I know where ever she goes to live, she will be dearly loved and continue to share her birthing and parenting messages.
I am, I suspect, pregnant with our second child, (if I am not, I hope to be soon.) My husband and I have been married for almost 8 years, and our first child just turned three. She is precocious, intelligent and inquisitive. She knows the basic logisitics of conception, pregnancy and birth--the birth story she frequently requests includes the line "and then my vagina opened up, and I used my muscles to push you out". She understands the words of birth, but I am not sure she truly understands the process. Our second baby will be born at home, and I am hopeful that our oldest will be there with us. I want her to see that birth is normal, and natural, and beautiful, and something that she doesn't need to grow up being afraid of, or thinking it's gross (the way I did!).
The nursing toddler is a beautiful bonus, as my daughter is still nursing at age 3. It is a wonderful bond and something she is excited to share with her "sister baby". (When I ask, "what if it's a brother baby?" her response is always "no, I would like a sister baby instead.")
I am very grateful to you for this opportunity. I admire the way your dolls are not only beautiful and educational, but that they are made in a loving and fair manner.
Plus, I have red hair, freckles and green eyes, and my name is Anna. I would be so, so pleased to be Anastasia's new home.
Please consider our growing family to be Anastasia's family. Thank you.
MamAmor dolls tell and show the story of true love.
The fleeting beginning moments in the story of life that are powerful beyond words. Beautiful. Peaceful.
Anastasia and her baby would bring love to our home and teach our children about the two most amazing moments in our lives.
When we experienced true love again...the first time.
Love, Erin
There are many reasons why I think that beautiful creation should be in my home, so many that I don't know know where to begin....I think I will start with the obvious.
1) She has my name!!! That beautiful doll, such an amazing creation, has my name.
2) I believe the Universe wants me to have her in my home. I haven't been on facebook much lately, very busy with my two children and one on the way. Also, my husband broke his knee so things got a bit hairy for a while. But I just happened to notice this on my newsfeed with 3 hours to spare in the contest! I have a very full and busy newsfeed so I don't see everything unfortunately. This contest has been going on for a while and I managed not to see it until the very last second! When I did my heart skipped a beat!
3) She also has my colors and is wearing a flower in her hair, as I often do! I love earth tones, especially in oranges, browns and blues! In fact, I have dyed my hair those colors many times. Her hair is nearly identical to my favorite scarf which I treasure because my husband's wonderful mother, who passed away in 2009 too young, gave it to me.
4) I'm currently 5, almost 6, months pregnant after suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage before this pregnancy. I had a very hard time for a while, not understanding why it happened, and was very sad. Things are better now that my current pregnancy has been viable and is still going strong! My baby moves around all the time, reminding me that it's in there and healthy!
5) Until very recently, I have had a nursing toddler at my skirts!
6) My 7 yr old daughter, Anoushka, is very interested in pregnancy/childbirth/nursing and everything that goes with it. She thinks your dolls are amazing and has been begging me for at least a year to get her one. If I win this doll I will share it with her, and my toddler, and use her as a model so she can have an even better understanding and appreciation for pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing than she already has. I might have a budding midwife on my hands!
8) I gave birth to my toddler at home, in a birth tub, with a midwife, and......my baby was a 9 lb. frank breech! It was the most amazing experience in my life! My midwife and I knew it was going to be a breech birth and we studied up and prepared ourselves for it. Everything went beautifully and perfectly. I could write a book about this experience but I won't, I will just say that I believe it's my duty now to inform the world that breech birth is just a variation of normal and we should trust birth!!! Also, I would love to use Anastasia the doll to model the different types of birth to my children, especially to my breech baby!
9)As I mentioned before, my life has been very difficult lately. Without going into a detailed sob story, let me just say that life has been a trial with many tests for me in the past year or so, testing my strength, courage, and fortitude. And we just lost our sweet kitty. I'm happy to say that I'm currently coming out of that dark fog just in time to prepare for my new baby due May 27th!!! I can honestly say, I truly deserve this amazing gift! Plus my birthday is coming up soon! HAHA!
It's getting down to the wire so I should wrap it up but I will leave you with a Valentine's poem that I whipped up just for you in this last moment before the contest ends! LOL!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
If I win Anastasia
I can't begin to construe
The happiness she'll bring me
In my time of need
My children as well
Will exclaim with glee!
You've brought so much joy
All over the Earth
Your dolls are the perfect
Reflection of birth
I hope that you pick me
Of that I am sure
My sister and family
Will also concur
Anastasia will be used
To show and to teach
That childbirth isn't scary
Even if it's a breech
Now I will finish
This poem of mine
I'll end it by saying
Your dolls are DIVINE!!!!!!
P.S. You have to admit, for a quick entry at the last moment, with no planning time, I did pretty good! Namaste and happy choosing!!!!!!!
So many reasons why I think that beautiful creation should be in my home....I shall start with the obvious. 1)She has my name!!! That beautiful doll, such an amazing creation, has my name. 2)I believe the Universe wants me to have her. I haven't been on facebook much lately, very busy w/ 2 kidos & 1 on the way. Husband broke his knee, kitty died, etc. I just happened to notice this on my newsfeed, even though it's been going on for a while, 3 hours to spare in the contest! When I saw it, my heart skipped a beat! 3)She has my colors, wearing a flower in her hair, as I often do! I love earth tones, especially in oranges/browns /blues. Her hair is identical to my favorite scarf, which I treasure, from my mother-in-law, who passed away in 2009 @ 52. 4)I'm currently 5 1/2 mos. pregnant after suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage. I had a very hard time for a while, not understanding why it happened. Things are better, my current pregnancy has been viable & is going strong! 5)Until very recently, I have also had a nursing toddler at my skirts! 6)My 7 yr old daughter, Anoushka, is very interested in pregnancy/childbirth/nursing. She thinks your dolls are amazing & has been begging me recently to get her one. If I win this doll I will share it with her, & my toddler, & use it as a model so she can have an even better understanding & appreciation for pregnancy/childbirth/nursing. I might have a budding midwife on my hands! 7)My family's been financially struggling for years so I haven't been able to afford a doll. I believe that you have a fair price on your dolls. W/ all the work you put in, not to mention the creativity & love, you deserve every penny for these beauties! You also give them away on a regular basis! It takes a special kind of person to create something so amazing & original, then give it away. I have followed your doll-making over the years, & I know in my heart that I will have one someday. Hopefully soon! Named Anastasia! 8)I gave birth to my toddler at home, in a birth tub, w/ a midwife, &..he was a 9 lb. frank breech! My midwife & I knew it was going to be a breech birth so we studied up & prepared ourselves. Everything went beautifully & perfectly. I believe it's my duty to inform the world that breech birth is normal & we should trust birth! 9)My life has been very difficult lately. W/out going into a detailed sob story, let me just say that life has been a trial w/ many tests for me, testing my strength, courage, and fortitude. AND we just lost our sweet kitty. I'm happy to say that I'm currently coming out of that dark fog just in time to prepare for my new baby due May 27th!!! I can honestly say, I truly deserve this amazing gift! Plus my birthday is very soon! HA! 10)My sister, Kat, & I are starting a service for 1st time mommies to help w/ anything & everything from birth plans to help w/ breastfeeding. We will help any mother who needs it, but will be concentrating on young, 1st-time moms, who might need some guidance or help understanding their choices. We both remember how scary & difficult it was for us when we had our first babies. After years of advocating & knowing in my heart I would breastfeed no matter what, I finally understood why some new moms give up on breastfeeding so soon. I never gave up, & she nursed for 3 years! If I win Anastasia, we will use her to help educate our clients & their children if any, on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding & tandem breastfeeding!
It's getting down to the wire so I will wrap it up but I will leave you with a Valentine's poem that I whipped up just for you in this last moment! LOL! *see next comment
Violets are blue
If I win Anastasia
I can't begin to construe
The happiness she'll bring me
In my time of need
My children as well
Will exclaim with glee!
You've brought so much joy
All over the Earth
Your dolls are the perfect
Reflection of birth
I hope that you pick me
Of that I am sure
My sister and family
Will also concur
Anastasia will be used
To show and to teach
That childbirth isn't scary
Even if it's a breech
Now I will finish
This poem of mine
I'll end it by saying
Your dolls are DIVINE!!!!!!
P.S. You have to admit, for a quick entry at the last moment, with no planning time, I did pretty good! Namaste and happy choosing!!!!!!!
There will be other giveaways! Stay tuned! Thank you.
Rahni E. Sydney, Australia