Pregnancy etiquette: What to do when she's due


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SALT LAKE CITY -- Pregnancy is an exciting time in a new mother's life, but excitement from others should not trump etiquette.

Etiquette blogger Janine Ottley shares a few 'pregnancy faux pas' to avoid.

Belly love

When did it become OK to touch another person's stomach -- pregnant or not? That is their body, and moving into their personal space uninvited is a total invasion of their privacy. It's not alright for anyone to touch a pregnant woman's stomach -- even if you ask and she says OK (which she might out of guilt).

Unless you know that person, or unless you know her circumstances (there might be some women out there who really like to share, but I'm going to go out on a ledge and say that most women prefer not to have their bellies rubbed like a magic lamp) -- hands off, people!

Timing is everything

It's not appropriate to ask a couple how long it took them to conceive a baby. Even if they didn't go to a fertility doctor, unless you're really close, it's probably better to stay on the topics of baby names or nursery colors.

Try to not give in to the curiosity surrounding whether a new couple or single adult is ready to start a family and asking them why they haven't had kids yet, or or when they will start a family. Although it's human nature to be curious, we need to nip that curiosity in the bud when it refers to someone else's business.

Cover it up!

Nursing mothers should avoid breastfeeding uncovered around others. Ottley said she is a huge proponent of breastfeeding, having breastfed four children herself, but there's a way it can be done in public without making others feel uncomfortable.

In public places, or when others besides your significant other and children will be around (and maybe your sisters and mom), figure out the best way to cover yourselves and do it, please.

Have any other etiquette tips? Share them with us on our Facebook page.

Email: bwalker@ksl.com

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Brooke Walker

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