Story perspectives

China's 'Painless Motherhood' Trend Sparks Hotpot Debate

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

In China, 'painless motherhood' involves young women raising cotton dolls as children and celebrating their birthdays at hotpot restaurants, with some buying expensive clothing for the dolls.
The trend gained traction in October 2023 after a Haidilao post about requesting a baby chair for a doll.
Staff at Haidilao were confused and refused to sing the doll's birthday, prompting national debate on whether the chain should acknowledge these birthdays.

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Story summary

In China, 'painless motherhood' involves young women raising cotton dolls as children and celebrating their birthdays at hotpot restaurants, with some buying expensive clothing for the dolls.
The trend gained traction in October 2023 after a Haidilao post about requesting a baby chair for a doll.
Staff at Haidilao were confused and refused to sing the doll's birthday, prompting national debate on whether the chain should acknowledge these birthdays.