The reborn doll trend is capturing attention on social media, sparked by content creator Lumey (@lumeyreborn), who claims to be Cuba's first reborn mom. Her passion has stirred both curiosity and debate, as it arises amidst an unprecedented crisis in the country.
Reborn dolls are handcrafted figures made from vinyl or silicone, meticulously designed to resemble real newborns. They feature intricate details like textured skin, visible veins, lifelike weight, and rooted hair.
These dolls are viewed as pieces of art, cherished for collections, used in emotional therapy, and also seen as high-end toys.
The Cuban mom acknowledges that her dolls aren't hyper-realistic reborns, yet she confides, "I love them because they bring me happiness."
From her Cuban home, Lumey, a mother to two real boys aged seven and ten, shares her enthusiasm for this unique world. She has created a small area for her “babies”: Hanny and Jazmín.
She dresses, styles, and photographs them with care, sharing each experience as if they were part of her family. Lumey asserts that this hobby does not detract from the attention she gives her sons, who are her greatest joy and supporters in this creative endeavor.
The Cuban's online profile is gradually gaining traction, establishing her as a reference within the growing community of Cuban reborn moms, a small but increasingly visible group on social media.
Internationally, reborn moms form a widespread community in countries like the United States, Spain, Mexico, and Argentina. The group primarily consists of women, though some men also nurture and care for these dolls as if they were their own children.
Many believe this practice offers significant therapeutic benefits, helping individuals cope with the loss of a loved one, alleviate anxiety, or reconnect with motherhood from a different emotional perspective.
"This is wholesome and positive content," Lumey declares in one of her videos, convinced that her passion isn't about replacing anything but rather celebrating the power of affection and imagination amidst Cuba's daily hardships.
Nevertheless, Lumey's videos attract criticism. Some argue she invests too much love and financial resources into her dolls, "while there are real babies in Cuba who lack such affection and care."
The Impact of Reborn Dolls in Cuba
What are reborn dolls?
Reborn dolls are handcrafted figures made from materials like vinyl or silicone, designed to closely resemble real newborns with detailed features such as textured skin and rooted hair.
Why do people criticize Lumey's passion for reborn dolls?
Some critics argue that Lumey devotes excessive love and resources to her dolls, while real children in Cuba may not receive the same level of care and affection.
How do reborn dolls provide therapeutic benefits?
Reborn dolls can help individuals cope with loss, ease anxiety, and reconnect with the concept of motherhood from an emotional standpoint, offering a form of emotional therapy.