"Expectant Mother Parking"?

Free2Sing · July 2011

Your thoughts? I feel like there's an unspoken set of rules with these signs, like I'm not legit enough yet to use that space because I'm not 8 months pregnant with 2 toddlers.

This particular one doesn't say 'mothers with kids'--- it just says "expectant mother parking." It's at the mall, and I do the marketing for a store in the mall, so when I'm there, it's usually just for a short time, but feel bad about using the spot.

*And yes, I am completely aware that I'm over thinking this. I just always wonder what other pregnant ladies think!

Annya26 · July 2011

I won't use them now, since I have no need but I DO look forward to using those spots at Christmas when I am huge and the parking lots of crazy and crowded

GingerWife · July 2011

I have yet to utilize the expectant mother parking. I agree that I don't feel legit enough yet. When I am round and tumbly though, I will definitely be using the spot.

I wish work had an expectant mother spot...it's 1/3 mile walk from the parking lot to my classroom.

MrsLeanna · July 2011

I say if you're showing, use it. I used it today at Buy Buy Baby.

califorever81 · July 2011

I think any pregnant woman can and should use them if they want. That being said, I haven't yet because walking doesn't make me comfortable.

missesBAD · July 2011

it seems like the spots are always empty. i say use them if you are pregnant.

mjay79 · July 2011

I just feel handicapped using these spots. I have used them in the past at the end of my pregnancies, but not this one yet. Hubby ALWAYS wants to use them (we have these spots at all major stores/malls/grocery stores) and it's always a fight with him. I will use them when it gets icy and snowy though, especially with 2 other kids.

AlwaysSunny925 · July 2011

Honestly I've already used them twice or three times. I am an expectant mother so I didn't feel so bad about it. Although if I saw a 25+ weeker walking further because I took her spot I would feel bad.

EricaK28 · July 2011

I will use it when I am 7 to 8 months pregnant.

talanswife · July 2011

we were at walmart the other day and had to park way in the back and my DH pointed to the spot up front for expectant mothers as we passed it and said we should have parked there. I glanced at it and said, we cant park there its for expectant mothers... oh. it took me a few seconds to realize I technically qualify now lol but obviously I dont feel "legit" enough to park there yet. DH says it the first time I had forgotten I was pregnant in 16 weeks

mrs.larry · July 2011

I don't use them either. I think I did a couple times when I was super pregnant with my son... but def not now.

and just a thought: I never see the ones that say mothers with kids but I always thought that a "new mother parking" space would be a helluva lot more useful when you're carting all that crap around and still healing from whatever stitches you might have had... JMHO.

tanyaharville · July 2011

Annya26:
I won't use them now, since I have no need but I DO look forward to using those spots at Christmas when I am huge and the parking lots of crazy and crowded

tanyaharville · July 2011

Annya26:
I won't use them now, since I have no need but I DO look forward to using those spots at Christmas when I am huge and the parking lots of crazy and crowded

jacobs32 · July 2011

mrs.larry:

and just a thought: I never see the ones that say mothers with kids but I always thought that a "new mother parking" space would be a helluva lot more useful when you're carting all that crap around and still healing from whatever stitches you might have had... JMHO.

Exactly my thoughts! I was never that uncomfortable when pregnant that I couldn't walk across a parking lot. If I was I don't think I would be out and about. I'd much rather have the close spot when walking toddlers across the parking lot.

cschissell · July 2011

None of the places we go to have these spots and I don't plan to use them until I am uncomfortable walking and even then I might now. I just don't really feel like I "need" it. I guess it is a moot point anywhere since nowhere around here has them.

bear7328 · July 2011

I'd use it shamelessly. I am expectant, and I am taking full advantage of not having to walk a lot with my toddler in tow.

MrsLeanna · July 2011

It is SO freakin hot here right now that I feel like I am going to melt into a puddle the minute I get out of the car. Really the only place that has the expectant mother's parking is the baby store.

But, in Dade county (where Miami is), they have stroller parking. You have to apply for it and get a permit that hangs in your car and it's good for 3 years, that is awesome!!!! I'm in Broward (Ft Lauderdale) and I'm close enough that I got it with DD and I'll get it again. Very useful.

N&G 5_26_07 · July 2011

I haven't yet because I do not need them. With my first, I used it toward the end when it was very uncomfortable to walk and my legs and ankles were swollen. There is one store that has new mother parking that I used because I had a c/s so walking was painful. I personally think it's kinda lazy to use it if you don't really need to.

ztalady18 · July 2011

MrsLeanna:
I say if you're showing, use it. I used it today at Buy Buy Baby.

Yes

MrsMeMo · July 2011

I look at it this way...... If there is another pregnant woman who might be more uncomfortable than me who might need the spot, I don't need to park there. I honestly can't see parking there until i'm AT LEAST 30 weeks.

LittleMissGreenEyes · July 2011

I'm of the "it's good for me to walk" opinion and won't use one as long as I possibly can.

elandric · July 2011

I probably wouldnt use it now, but I wont hesitate when Im at the point when Im uncomfortable. But, If there arent any other spots open then, then Im pulling in!

MrsAMB07 · July 2011

mrs.larry:
I don't use them either. I think I did a couple times when I was super pregnant with my son... but def not now.
and just a thought: I never see the ones that say mothers with kids but I always thought that a "new mother parking" space would be a helluva lot more useful when you're carting all that crap around and still healing from whatever stitches you might have had... JMHO.

We have "Mothers with infants" parking around here. I used it a ton when DS was in his carrier and it was wonderful!

luckylindy · July 2011

I haven't used them and won't until I'm waddling. I'd feel bad taking up a space now and then seeing someone who really needs it having to walk.

BritanyV · July 2011

None of the places around me have "Expectant Mother Parking"...if they did, I would definitely be using it!

lauren.cus · July 2011

The highs here avg around 103-106 degrees. So if I know I'm going to be carrying stuff (groceries) or if the other parking spots are far and in full sun I shamelessly take the spot:). At the places that have them around here try have so many that there are always empty ones!

Waiting4myJulyBaby · July 2011

I used it when I was very pregnant with my son but not in this pregnancy yet, when I get to the point where I'm super uncomfortable I will.

I HATE when I see single guys park in these spots, and I've seen it plenty!

Mh092983 · July 2011

I was at the grocery store today and watched 2 women obviously in their 50's park in the New and Expectant Mother spot. It infuriated me. I also feel like I am not yet pregnant enough for those spots!

MAMAxB · July 2011

Annya26:
I won't use them now, since I have no need but I DO look forward to using those spots at Christmas when I am huge and the parking lots of crazy and crowded

Definitely!

Being super preg + winter = no fun!

CalMum_Momma · July 2011

I don't use them yet, but I wouldn't judge another momma for using one early. You never know what problems she may be having already. With DS, I had BP issues from early on.

miababy · July 2011

I haven't used them yet, but I don't think there is anything wrong with using them especially if you are already showing.

BTW - I live in Greenville too! You're the first bumpie I've ever seen who lives here!

rachoochoo2 · July 2011

Just recently started using it. Maybe I am not showing a lot but it's hot, I'm uncomfortable and I haul around a toddler. I feel like right now I need all the help I can get.

Free2Sing · July 2011

miababy:
I haven't used them yet, but I don't think there is anything wrong with using them especially if you are already showing.
BTW - I live in Greenville too! You're the first bumpie I've ever seen who lives here!

I don't live there anymore, but haven't figured out how to change it! I love where I live now, but miss Greenville-- everything was so inexpensive & the downtown was to die for! The Lazy Goat is my FAVORITE place to eat, and the festivals totally rocked!

I totally think the "mothers with young children" is much more appropriate if you're going to section off a spot. It'll be tough waddling around at 8 months pregnant, but even tougher with a baby in tow!

There are only 2 spots at the mall entrance where I go in, and I haven't seen a round belly park there in quite awhile & they are almost always full. Kind of makes me mad when I pass it up and end up at the end of the parking lot, but see a group of people that most likely are not pregnant take the spot. But that is totally going to rock at Christmas, though!