In a recent incident that has caused quite a stir and sparked a much-needed conversation about proper commuter etiquette, Samantha Holmes, a 29-year-old mother and registered nurse, found herself standing on a busy London Underground train while breastfeeding her two-month-old daughter, Celine.
Samantha was disappointed and frustrated by the lack of empathy and support from her fellow passengers during the evening rush hour.
Samantha and her husband, Jarred, boarded the train at London Euston with the hopes of finding a seat for Samantha to comfortably feed their hungry baby. However, to their dismay, not a single passenger offered their seat to Samantha, who was visibly distressed.
Samantha shared her experience, saying, “Our daughter had terrible trapped wind, and nothing I tried was consoling her. We were standing at first, and I expected someone to offer me a seat, given how hysterical she was. But to my surprise, no one seemed to acknowledge us, so I had no choice but to feed her standing up.”
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers when using public transportation. Samantha emphasized that many mothers in similar situations often feel “invisible” and unsupported. In her frustration, she asked her husband to document the incident, hoping to raise awareness about this issue.
“It’s already hard enough to balance when you’re on your own, let alone while trying to feed a two-month-old baby. That’s when I told my husband to take a photo because I couldn’t believe what was happening. I felt invisible—did anyone even see me?
Everyone had their heads down. Personally, I’m comfortable breastfeeding in public, so it didn’t affect me that way. But for others who might feel nervous about it, an experience like this could discourage them from breastfeeding altogether. I was just so shocked and angry,” expressed Samantha.
Transport for London has clear guidelines that state all buses, Tubes, trains, and trams have designated priority seats for individuals who need them. Additionally, passengers can request a “Please Offer Me a Seat” badge and card or a “Baby on Board” badge to signal their need for a seat. However, Samantha’s experience highlights that these guidelines are not always followed by commuters, leaving mothers like her in difficult situations.
This incident has triggered a broader discussion about commuter etiquette and the responsibilities passengers have towards one another. Surprisingly, a recent study showed that only six out of ten commuters would give up their seat for an expectant mother.
Shockingly, one in four commuters admitted to not giving up their seat for a pregnant woman, often because they were unsure if she was pregnant or out of concern that their offer might be misunderstood.
Furthermore, the study revealed that many adults believed it was unnecessary to offer a seat to a pregnant woman until she was visibly showing, which could be quite late into the pregnancy.
Researchers found that during rush hours, passengers were often too focused on their own concerns—work or their smartphones—to notice those in need of a seat.
The study, commissioned by Mama Mio skincare as part of their “I’m Expecting” campaign, aims to encourage expectant mothers not to hesitate to ask for a seat when they need one.
Anna Whitehouse, an ambassador for the campaign, commented, “Pregnancy is not a weakness, but it does make women vulnerable, especially during the first trimester. Busy, hot, and crowded commuting conditions can be incredibly stressful both physically and mentally, and having a seat can make a significant difference.”
Samantha’s experience on the London Underground serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased awareness and empathy among commuters. It highlights the importance of building a community spirit that encourages passengers to support one another, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Initiatives like the “I’m Expecting” campaign aim to change the narrative and make public transportation a more comfortable and considerate environment for everyone. It is crucial for society to address and rectify these issues, ensuring that incidents like Samantha’s become a thing of the past.
