DON'T TOUCH MY BUMP! (Rant....)

[aethelfleda]

Sorry girls, I need a rant - I'm 33 weeks with DC3 and PEOPLE KEEP BLOODY FONDLING MY BUMP WITHOUT ASKING! Usually while saying something patronising like "aww, how's baby?" or "Aww, when's it due?"

It's driving me crazy. I usually recoil visibly and say something to the tune of "hey, no touching, I really don't like it", but even then there is one repeat offender at work who keeps making that little washing-windows motion over my tummy about two inches off it and thinks THAT's OK. I didn't have this much heckling with the DDs, apart from one freaky male OAP stranger in the shops (aged about 75!) who without warning patted my bump in the supermarket queue

I just don't get it - these people would never grope my belly normally, why is it suddenly a free-for-all? I find the sensation of being patted/stroked quite disturbing and wish they would all leave the hell alone! AAAARG.

.....

I am 38 weeks now and have only experienced it the once otherwise people have always asked if they can touch it and usually i let them to avoid any awkwardness but agreed i dont see why people feel it is necessary.

Torila at your neighbour!

I fucking hate anyone going near my bump

I have not read everything in this thread, but has anyone suggesting doing it to them the next time first?

That would certainly put a smile on my face, if I were in that condition that is.

I they don't like it then they'll probably get the message...

Sigh. Several more bump-fondling attempts later...

I am now resigned to the fact that for some people nothing short of an electrified-fence-T-shirt (there's an investment opportunity, someone!) is going to stop them trying to prod/pat any bump they see.

Fortunately I only have 5 more weeks of this ever (DC3) but let this thread be advance warning to all you mummies out there. These people are not going away and next time it could be you: prepare your response in advance!!

Torila, that is utterly revolting behaviour from your neighbour! Ugh, what a creep! I think I would have vomited on the spot. Kudos to you for not punching his lights out. :)

I have never experienced that with dd, and I am pg 31 weeks, and have never had that thank goodness, apart from dh and dd, but thats ok. If a stranger or friend did that I would find it quite uncomfortable.

I would absolutely buy a mousetrap jumper or an electric fence t-shirt - please someone, start manufacturing immediately!

No one has actually done this to me yet, mainly because I have a reputation as a scary ballbreaker, but I'm not quite 23 weeks yet, so a long way to go with ample opportunty for bump-groping. I shall start perfecting my low growl. Torila, that is mind-boggling.

Happened for the first time, in a supermarket last night. I snapped quite loudly "don't touch me, you pervert!" and turned my back on him.

I should say that I would not have been quite so nasty if he hadn't leered at my (truly enormous) boobs at the same time...

Dh thought it was hysterical.

He's actually normally very lovely and polite, I was so shocked I just sort of nervously giggled and ran away saying I had to feed my husband - I had meant my dog! Said neighbour did later redeem himself by popping over later to say they were getting rid of a lot of their baby stuff and did we want to take a look before they ebayed it, but still!!