Hands on my bump

[9 Months Now]

From the day my bump became visible, friends and colleagues can't seem to keep their hands off my bump.  Although I'm almost there, but I'm beginning to get annoyed and wish I could just tell people "hands off!"  But such words can be hurtful and offensive.  Firstly, has this ever happened to you?  If so, how did you deal with it?  

[SA chick]

I felt the same way.  it is very strange walking through a mall and some strange person comes up to you and touches your tummy and says" oh i know its a girl" AAGGHH  it also used to freak me out!  it will soon be over so dont let it stress you out totally.  Soon you will have the wonderful experience of strange people walking up to the pram and telling you what a beautiful baby you have - now THAT is great and makes you feel as if you could walk on air!  

[But]

I moved out here when I was 5 months pregnant and really missed people close to me feeling my tummy so I was flattered when people out here stopped doing whatever they were doing to spend time chatting to me.

[life]

the creation of life is a wonderful thing that everyone appreciates. People are drawn to the hope and joy of a new life. I can appreciate you feeling bad about the invasion of your personal space, but get used to coming second place to your baby. From now on you will be viewed only as its mother when your with it.

Taxi drivers virtually ignore me in the cab, but if I'm with my tall strong 15 year old son they are full of questions. How many sons. When i reply one son and a younger daughter they are full of admiration for my ability to produce children in the correct order, best permutation and so tall.

Enjoy your new found 'skill', it is the most important one you will ever have.

[7months]

I don't think it's rude to ask people not to touch your bump. It's your body and they should respect that. If you tell them it makes you feel uncomfortable when people touch it, they should understand.

Or you could just make it difficult for them to get to, i.e. hold your own hands over it, or pull your handbag discreetly across your bump if you see someone going for it.

Or before they even say anything, you could tell them a 'story' about how you just had a complete stranger come up and touch your belly and how strange that made you feel - I doubt they'd go for it after that!