Pregnancy can come with its own set of unwelcome surprises, and for many mothers-to-be, unsolicited belly touching is one of them. While I completely understand the frustration — it can feel invasive and thoughtless — I must admit, I sometimes find myself reaching out to touch a pregnant belly. I know I should resist, but my enthusiasm gets the better of me. To all the expecting mamas out there, I’m sincerely sorry — I can’t help being a bit of a belly toucher.
Once a woman announces her pregnancy, it seems like everyone suddenly feels entitled to offer their advice, opinions, and of course, their hands on your belly. It’s as if they expect to summon a genie from your stomach instead of a tiny baby who will likely keep you up all night. Having been pregnant twice myself, I can relate all too well to the feeling of being treated like a public exhibit. I remember dodging curious onlookers in grocery stores to protect my personal space. After all, just because you’re carrying a little one doesn’t mean you want strangers touching you. It’s your body.
Though I try to reserve my belly rubs for friends or acquaintances, my own experiences with pregnancy have given me a deeper understanding of the desire to connect. After two challenging pregnancies and the joys and struggles of motherhood, I feel a strong sense of empathy for those who are about to embark on this journey. I want them to know that I’m here to support them and that I already have a fondness for their little one. Sometimes, my excitement just spills over, and I hope they won’t mind.
Motherhood creates bonds among us if we allow it. I recognize that many prefer to keep their thoughts — and hands — to themselves. I used to feel this way too, until I realized how vital a community of fellow parents can be during this wild and fleeting experience. Now, as a mom of two, I feel a kinship with other mothers that I didn’t fully grasp before. We share something extraordinary, and I instinctively understand the urge to touch a belly more now than I did in my own pregnancy.
That said, I firmly believe it’s not okay for strangers to impose on someone else’s personal space. Women should absolutely feel empowered to say, “No, I’m not comfortable with that,” when someone oversteps. But as a mother who has witnessed many friends transition into motherhood after me, I can’t help but want to share my affection through a gentle belly rub. While I’ll likely avoid touching strangers, a simple congratulatory smile will suffice.
There’s a tendency for people to push others away rather than embrace them, even when those gestures come from a place of goodwill. Fellow mothers, while they might not always have the right words, often wish to welcome you into a community that you’ll soon realize is essential — even if it sometimes involves an unsolicited belly rub.
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In summary, while unsolicited belly touching can be uncomfortable, it often stems from a desire for connection and support among mothers. Understanding this can help navigate the complexities of pregnancy and the community that surrounds it.