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Pregnancy

What a very proud mum I am - Duchess of Cambridge wears the Baby on Board Badge

28 replies

msjayjay · 20/03/2013 23:31

It has been a few years now but when I lost my baby I started a campaign with my MP for considerate commuters . As a result of this the London Underground set up a Baby on Board badge scheme and today in the news the Duchess of Cambridge was presented with one. I hope it raises more awareness to people on public transport and if you are pregnant say it and get a seat.
www.standard.co.uk/news/at-last-a-tube-seat-for-motherstobe-7245082.html

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HelenMumsnet · 20/03/2013 23:34

Oh wow, that was you! Thanks

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clattypatty · 20/03/2013 23:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Moominsarehippos · 20/03/2013 23:39

You did that? Wow! I am impressed that a 'real' person came up with something so brilliant. Of course, everyone knows about Kate though.

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msjayjay · 20/03/2013 23:45

I didn't come up with the concept but tried to change the law on commuting and pregnant women, the underground came on board and started the scheme plus changed the signage on tube trains. Some other travel companies did the same but I still get annoyed when I get on public transport and see no signs referring to pregnant women.

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crazynanna · 20/03/2013 23:48

Smile

My bus (W3) in London does mention pregnant women in the signage.

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LackaDAISYcal · 20/03/2013 23:48

Oooh, get you! Well Done for the campaign and such high profile publicity Thanks

Sorry about your loss though Sad

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ShrewveTuesday · 20/03/2013 23:54

Thanks

I'm so sorry for your loss - I didn't realize that's how the badge came about. It is an incredibly useful device.

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msjayjay · 20/03/2013 23:54

crazynanna a lot still don't do. There is no law in place to say they have too, they have a law in place for a percentage of priority seats which could mean elderly, disabled e.t.c. but it is a very small percentage. At the same time it's educating the public.

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Lorelei353 · 21/03/2013 09:44

msjayjay Sorry it took your loss to bring this about but I thank you for doing it! I love my Baby on Board badge. My train is really crowded in the morning and it does give me confidence to ask people to move (under big coats etc. it's hard to see my bump). These badges are brilliant! Thanks

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redwellybluewelly · 21/03/2013 09:57

I'm so sorry for your loss - but well done Mrs J for pushing such a brilliant idea Thanks

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ExhaustedMamasita · 21/03/2013 10:39

Msjayjay you're a star! Thanks you so much - not sure what I'd do without my badge. I once collapsed on a packed tube and still no-one gave me a seat. In fairness I was only 8 weeks with no bump but it was then that my tube commute turned into the wortst part of my day, I dreaded it until I got a badge.

Your campaining has made a real difference for so many women - you should be extremely proud of yourself. It's people like you who make the world go round!!! xxx

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Librarina · 21/03/2013 13:06

The 'seat for people who need it' on the tram in Manchester has a picture of a person with a cane and a person with a bump. I used it for the first time this week (at 29 weeks) and felt very grateful that it was there. Now my bump is big enough to see I feel justified in sitting there, before I would have just felt guilty.

(I've just emailed asking for a badge even though I don't live in London... is that bad?)

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whiteandyellowiris · 21/03/2013 14:22

well done, how do you get a badge? i'll need on when we go to gosh

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Thurlow · 21/03/2013 14:45

Mrsjay, I remember your story from the news when it happened, it used to cross my mind when I was using the Tube when pregnant. I'm very sorry for your loss, and thank you for doing something so wonderful. It made my pregnancy using the rush-hour Northern Line so much easier.

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Thurlow · 21/03/2013 14:45

White, I just asked at the ticket office. If you have any problems pm me, I have mine stashed in a drawer I could loan you!

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msjayjay · 21/03/2013 17:11

So glad the badge scheme has helped people, and hopefully the campaign made more people stand up for pregnant woman at the same time if you are pregnant say something and get a seat. I have shouted in a train before this when stood next to a heavily pregnant lady and she got her seat. Would be nice if the badge scheme was rolled out nationally though I know London is not the only place that has overcrowded public transport.

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msrisotto · 21/03/2013 17:16

msjayjay, I am so sorry for your loss, however it is amazing that you had the strength to push this forward and as a result you have helped loads of other women. That is inspirational.

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whiteandyellowiris · 21/03/2013 17:18

thanks i'll ask at the train station then

i'm so sorry for your loss.Sad
Flowers

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EggsPressYourself · 21/03/2013 17:22

Wow - that's amazing - well done, but I'm also so sorry for your loss.

I wore my Baby on Board badge for both pregnancies when commuting in London. It did a marvellous job - especially in the early days of pregnancy when no-one can tell.

Thank you. Very sincerely, thank you.

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ButteryJam · 21/03/2013 18:47

Well done, and sorry for your loss.

Here is the picture of Kate wearing the badge:

www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/polished-to-perfection-how-the-duchess-of-cambridge-turned-into-a-style-icon-8223244.html?action=gallery&ino=2

I wonder where you can purchase the badge from?

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Librarina · 21/03/2013 21:22

If you just google "baby on board badge", Transport for London will post you one.

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whiteandyellowiris · 21/03/2013 22:05

oh thanks just emailed for one, hope i dare wear it

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DIddled · 21/03/2013 22:07

Twice this week I have seen a mum in the MAnchester area with the bob badge. I gave up for her one day and bless, a young man hopped up for her the next time:).

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Wigeon · 21/03/2013 22:08

Info from TfL:

Pregnant women can wear a 'Baby on board' badge to let other passengers know they may need a seat.

These are available from Tube station ticket offices. You can also request a badge through our Customer Service Centre, by emailing your full name and address to [email protected] or by calling 0843 222 1234.

It's free. Smile

I have kept mine along with the scan pictures, first lock of hair, identification wrist band from the hospital etc Grin

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Valpollicella · 21/03/2013 22:09

whiteandyellow if you are near to a staffed tube station I believe they can also give them out to you there

Msjayjay, I am so sorry for your loss.

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