Belly Rub Anyone?
By Bronwyn in 
Today was a big day for me. I put away my “Big Mamma” clothes (also known as post pregnancy clothes) and removed all the maternity clothes that crowded my cupboard. Frankly, these items of clothing were still part of my wearing wardrobe until about a month ago when while taking a walk with my babe- I almost lost my pants. It was hard knowing I would have to give up the comforts of the elasticated waist- pregnancy is the only time when you can legitimately be wearing elastic before eighty years of age.
This cupboard cleansing was a reflective time for me. My mind wondered through my pregnancy as I pulled out items I had worn. I’m surprised the belly section of my blouses were not worn away with all of the tummy rubs I used to get.
It’s amazing how many complete strangers thought it appropriate to rub my tummy. Then there were the tummy rubbing addicts that used to get their circular motion fix every time they saw me. There were also those who were hesitant but you could see that in their head they were saying “want to touch belly, must touch belly!” These were the polite people who would ask for a rub. I always wanted to joke and say that this child’s for free but with the next one, I’m charging. For a time I also thought that I should relocate my face to my stomach; where people focused most of their attention before eventually finding their way to my face.
The best though were my personal “rubbage” sessions where I would get a kick as a response. It was even better when my husband did it and we could share the response. This would usually happen just as we would wake in the morning. I found our little guy was most active then- he was probaby sucking some breakfast out of his umbilical-straw. Good memories! I remember someone telling me how much they missed their preggy belly and as I packed those clothes away, I knew what she meant.
Beautifully written! I also love my preggy tummy. It is the only time that it is firm and unjellylike
haha, love that response!! I think it’s the only time mine has been firm too
I must say, although I miss my pregnancy, I don’t miss the fact that people automatically treat you as public propert:, touching, asking inappropriate questions and implying you have the world’s hugest baby inside you and you’re about to “pop” any moment (at 5 months pregnant!)