To Rub or Not Rub the Belly
Filed Under Mom Talk |
During my first pregnancy, I was often taken aback by the amount of belly rubbing that total strangers indulged in. Being randomly accosted with little pats, taps, and full-on rubs is not uncommon for the mom-to-be. Fitmoms may experience this a little more since their bellies will be more distinct in appearance, almost like, “Here I am, a big belly. Please rub me.”
In FITMOM classes over the years, I have heard many discussions about personal belly space and why people think it’s okay to just touch. For many women, however, it is not only very insulting, but a source of anxiety. Others are not offended but get a little perturbed when people don’t ask first.
During my second pregnancy, I was not very tolerant. That was mainly due to my pregnancy-induced depression, which I’ve written about in previous blogs.
My third pregnancy was totally different. I was in a much better head space than the previous two pregnancies. My attitude towards everything was better as a result. When it came to random incidents of belly rubbing, instead of instantly responding with disdain, I actually asked people on the odd occasion, “What do you like about pregnant women’s bellies?”
I observed the joy and excitement in people’s faces when they connected to the life within me. I realized that random belly touching was actually a gift of love from strangers deeply connected for a moment with the miracle of life. As the saying goes, “Change the way you look at the world, and the world you look at changes.”
Take great care,
Andrea Page
