Respecting a Women's Body at Every Stage

This is a topic that has been weighing heavily on me, and it may be controversial but I need to get it out.

I am someone who is a lover and a hugger; however, I am not someone who loves to be touched.

In the last two months, my little baby bump has made an appearance, and for reasons that I cannot understand, I have had so many people think it is okay to touch my belly without asking. I get it, it looks like a basketball and it can seem sweet and endearing, but I still believe that it is something people should ask to do before just going for it! (I mean, I don't just touch your belly out of nowhere?! Haha) It has made me realize that people aren't looking at my body as MINE anymore...they are looking at it as a vessel for growing our baby. Please know that I am so proud of my body and have more respect for the female body than EVER before, but just ask before going in for the belly rub.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Another thought is when the baby is born and my body does not go back to what it was before, is it suddenly my fault? Are people going to judge me for that even though for the last 10 months I have been applauded for growing another human? We are so quick to judge other bodies when it is not our place to do so!

To be honest, the bounce back is bullshit and I know my body will forever be changed. It is a different, beautiful body that is strong as hell. Yes, there will be new marks and I may not recognize myself at first, but I will love the new me more than ever before.

I wanted to bring ALL this to your attention because these topics are IMPORTANT. So in recap:

#1. Ask before touching the bump--we are vulnerable in so many new ways & a simple ask is important.

#2. Quit judging other people's bodies...We are all doing the best we can and working hard to love who we are. No one needs that outside judgment.