A pregnant woman named Sarah was heading towards a priority seat on the London Underground when a man confronted her, asking, “Where’s the baby?” It’s important to note that in London, expectant mothers can request a “Baby on Board” badge online, which signals to fellow commuters that they are pregnant and in need of a seat. This initiative gained popularity after the Duchess of Cambridge highlighted it during her pregnancy with Prince George.
Sarah’s Story
Sarah, 30, shared her experience with a local news outlet, expressing her astonishment and embarrassment when she asked a man for his seat during the busy morning commute. A male observer, in his 40s, interjected with a rather inappropriate question. In response to the unexpected confrontation, Sarah thought to herself, “A) Mind your own business. B) Do you really want to test my patience?” She explained that while her pregnancy is still in the early stages, she has been experiencing severe morning sickness and is on medication.
The Incident Unfolds
According to Sarah, the situation unfolded as follows: “The gentleman who was seated kindly gave up his spot, but another woman, who was standing nearby, attempted to take the seat. I had to draw her attention by saying ‘excuse me.’ When she realized I was trying to sit, the person next to the seat started arguing, saying the woman wanted it and asking, ‘Why are you taking the seat?’ I showed him my ‘baby on board’ badge, and he rudely replied, ‘Where is the baby?’ I was shocked. Is that how one speaks to a pregnant woman? Should I carry my maternity notes with me at all times?”
Rude Individuals and Supportive Initiatives
While it’s unfortunate that rude individuals exist, the idea of a “maternity note” is intriguing. After experiencing two pregnancies while navigating public transport, I can see how such a badge would be beneficial, although I’m unsure how many people would actually yield to it. This calls to mind the potential for more supportive initiatives for pregnant women, like a “Look-Away” badge to signal to others that minimal interaction is desired. For instance, “Yes, I’m in my pajamas at a drive-thru. I’m pregnant. Please look away.”
The “Baby on Board” Badge Program
The “Baby on Board” badge program was launched in 2005 and is available through Transport for London. The website states, “Traveling on the Tube can be challenging for expectant mothers, but the Baby on Board badge helps by informing other passengers of your need for a seat.” However, this description might benefit from including a disclaimer about the occasional confrontational individual.
Helpful Resources for Expectant Mothers
For more information on helpful resources for expectant mothers, check out this excellent guide. Also, if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, visit our post on creating a home insemination kit. For expert advice on self-insemination, we recommend Make A Mom as a trusted source.
Conclusion
In summary, the experience of Sarah highlights the challenges pregnant women face in public spaces and the importance of supportive initiatives like the “Baby on Board” badge. By fostering understanding and respect in these environments, we can make commuting a little easier for expectant mothers.