Reclaim the Night/MWR 2012

Oi, SAF, butt out. "Thread Arse" is my title, damn you...

Pregnancy may not be a disability itself, but it can affect mobility, and in some cases can lead to disability, whether short term or long term. Even though my pregnancy was healthy, and wasn't "disabling", my ex-employer still had to make allowances for me in the same way he may have needed to make them for a member of staff with mobility issues.

The whole "pregnancy isn't a disability" thing pisses me right off. My ex sister in law was near enough crippled with SPD during her pregnancy. She became reliant on crutches, and certainly wouldn't have been unable to walk unaided. No one asks for those side effects of pregnancy, and it's a bit misogynistic to expect those who are affected by pregnancy in this way to just, you know, count themselves lucky because it (possibly) won't last forever. It's minimising a problem that affects a number of women, right now.

i'll be the thread arse if you like.

There is an arse on this thread but it isn't TBE.

Thankfully the organisers of MWR disagree with you Notthefullshilling.

I said it for the simple reason that pregnant women have a choice, walk do not walk. Do a bit, do the lot. Disability is not optional, plus if the bus is adapted then you the limited space is most appropriate for disabled people, other options and modes of transport are available to women with NO disabilities.

TBE your an arse, the social model is not there for you to declare yourself disabled as a result of a temporary condition. If a woman with a pre existing mobility implement's becomes pregnant she remains disabled after the birth, for most women the birth ends in much greater mobility and ability to make choices. Again I say if the organisers wish to be inclusive stick a bigger bus on, or two buses. Or are these the same women who hog disabled toilets because "they need the room".

Ah yes, I think I was getting confused :)

I maaaaaayyyyyy be there...

Have somewhere to stay, just praying nothing comes up beforehand.

Oh, okay, that sounds very doable! :)

Hmm, I'm now thinking, it's a Saturday so I might be able to get someone to have DS. What time does it tend to finish? If I can get back by 10pm childcare won't be a problem. I'm 2 hours away by train - if I left at 7.30pm would I miss all the fun?

Or it might be too short notice and I might have to work :( (I'm putting barriers up for no reason here, aren't I?)

I am hoping to come with DS2 (he'll be 4 months).

No its not Notthefullshilling. It is for disabled women and women who would have problems completing the full march. Pregnancy isn't a disability but it can certainly cause mobility problems. Really not sure why you felt you had to say that on this thread.

vegetariandumpling: I am not sure that the bus that you linked to for BALLROOM is for disabled women not pregnant ones. Other transport might well be available but being pregnant is not a disability and should not be confused with one.

I dont have children and am marching with OBJECT. However, I would love to meet you all, any chance of saying hello at the Rally. I am staying in London on Friday night but will be going back home after the rally. Are you marching with a mumsnet banner, if so I will look out for you at the Rally if I can.

Bertie - any help I can give anyone. My husband is going to cheer everyone on so he would be willing to help. Let me know.

I am sorry but I have to shout - I CANT BLOODY WAIT!!!!!

I would love to come, but I don't live in the UK. Will be thinking of you all and cheering you on.

Ohh, I don't know whether I should/can come! I wanted to come last year, and the one before, but panicked about childcare and travel at the last minute.

Those who have brought children before, how is it for them to cope with? DS is 3 but too heavy for a buggy really (can push but it's a strain) and too big for any of the slings I have! They all come up to about his hips. He can walk for ages but might get bored, and we don't have a scooter or a bike or anything. Refuses to ride on shoulders and I can't get him on my back for a piggyback. Though I expect someone might help?

For those bringing children this year, are there any plans to e.g. stay in the same hotel so that we can still have a bit of an evening get together without having to use unknown babysitters?

For those who are not bringing children, are there going to be meet ups afterwards with coffee and/or alcohol involved?