Parking spaces for expectant mothers at Walmart?

[Trish Bessette]

I've seen them a few places here in Vermont. However, when I was pregnant I would never think of using them. Just because I am pregnant and have another toddler with me gives me a reason to park close?? I've never felt any burden either being pregnant or being pregnant with another toddler. Save the spaces for the handicap. (Please don't turn this into a debate, this is my opinion only )

 

[Mskanga]

I thought the same thing! Yes, I'm sure it's a marketing ploy (they 1st put them up when they opened a "babysitting room" in the store too) & then there's the CYA factor. While it might be a nice thing to do, it's a problem at this particular store because there are only a few very long rows for parking - down a long hill....across a loading zone, an island & the "ring road".

It's such a stupid design! It probably irritates me most because the "best" or "closest" spots are reserved for the mothers (pregnant & w/young children) and the handicapped spots almost look like an afterthought. I asked about it once & was told that "the handicapped were in wheelchairs so the mothers need the closest spots."

I can't believe they actually said that! I have a handicapped license (bad knee) but I use a cane not a wheelchair. I won't shop there even though it's the closest store because I can't do the hill. (My knee just collapses on a downgrade.)

Deb , that is a shame that they said that to you. I have bad arthritis and there are times that walking is a problem. I don't honestly like to have to hike those long parking lots , I understand about handicapped people and I support that , but I am sorry , while it may be nice for pregnant and with small children women to have a spot right in the front of the store, I think it's ridiculous. For the record, I have two children , I have been pregnant twice and I know all too well what it's like to go shopping with a full belly and with a toddler, I put myself into that situation and I survived. Who are the next parking spots going to be for ?

 

[poohandwendy]

You know...how did our mothers ever manage without closer spots to the grocery store/wal-mart/target when they were pregnant with us?



Gosh...are we all getting soft?


ok ok...flame away...

No flames here. LOL, I don't have a problem with them but I think it is ironic because most doctors would say that exercise is very important for the vast majority of expectant mothers.

 

[lissawynn]

I was a WM yesterday, and I didn't notice anything. I will tell you that those parking spaces are a livesaver at times. My DS is almost 11 weeks old, and when I was pregnant I really appreciated the closeness of those spaces.
Babies R Us and Wegmans have mommy-to-be and new mommy spaces.

 

[meandtheguys2]

You know...how did our mothers ever manage without closer spots to the grocery store/wal-mart/target when they were pregnant with us?



Gosh...are we all getting soft?


ok ok...flame away...

Just because they got by doesn't mean it was the best way. There were days I would have killed for one of those spots. Kind of like if they had spots for people with the flu at the pahrmacy. Yeah, you can drag your heinie from the middle of the lot, but it sure would be nice not to!

 

[disneygals]

What do you mean not enforceable? All you have to do is hang your positive pregnancy test (dated and notarized by your doctor) on your rear-view mirror! All other will be towed.

 

[meandtheguys2]

What do you mean not enforceable? All you have to do is hang your positive pregnancy test (dated and notarized by your doctor) on your rear-view mirror! All other will be towed.

...so now people will be stealing other's preg. tests from their cars in order to park in a good spot...

 

[Beth76]

My grocery store has them now, so does my Y and of course, babies R us. The first time I actually saw one was when I was prg with #1, at the hospital of my doc's office. I used that spot one time when I was about 3 months pregnant because there were no other spaces in the lot.

With #2, I would use them at the Y if there were no other reasonable spaces. Otherwise I never used them.

 

[MosMom]

They are around here. Ours say they are also for parents of small children and it is nice to be able to be up close on a cold winters day with a newborn. I never used them when pregnant but did when the kids were infants.

 

[Mskanga]

Just because they got by doesn't mean it was the best way. There were days I would have killed for one of those spots. Kind of like if they had spots for people with the flu at the pahrmacy. Yeah, you can drag your heinie from the middle of the lot, but it sure would be nice not to!

If that is the mentality or the reason behind this , then it sure would be nice the same courtesy for some folks who may be in pain due to diseases that they have for life but yet not bad enough to get a handicapped license plate. Where do we draw the line?

 

[Chicago526]

My office reserves a space at the front door just for this. Also any one with a temporary medical condition can apply to use this space too, if they don't have a handicap tag already.

I've never seen them around here at any of the stores. I do know that the grocery stores offer each and every customer with more that one or two bags assistance out to their car. So some one 8 1/2 months along can have the bag boy push her cart to the car and help her load it, then take the cart back. Walmart and Target don't offer, but will assist any guest when asked. I would think this is even better than a space upfront, but I've never had a baby, so what do I know!

 

[Bob Slydell]

What do you mean not enforceable? All you have to do is hang your positive pregnancy test (dated and notarized by your doctor) on your rear-view mirror! All other will be towed.

 

[meandtheguys2]

If that is the mentality or the reason behind this , then it sure would be nice the same courtesy for some folks who may be in pain due to diseases that they have for life but yet not bad enough to get a handicapped license plate. Where do we draw the line?

Why does there have to be a line drawn at all. They are a sweet (marketable) courtesy. They are not a legal issue. You will not be towed if you park there. Go for it! Who cares? Why spend time fussing and worrying about something so silly? Just take the spot next time, and save some time fretting.

The idea of making another sign/statement PC is utter nonsense to me. This is a marketing tactic. Nothing more or less.

 

[LoraJ]

I have seen these spots at my grocery store. And every time i see someone pull in, they are either hardly pregnant, or a male. That really irks me. I pulled into the spott next to the expectant one when a guy pulled in. When he got out I yelled out "how far along are you?" and he just ran way ahead of me.

 

[KristiKelly]

Malls in our area have had these for several years.

I remember when they 1st came out with the signs, I was looking for a parking space and my Mom thought we'd found one but it was for expecting mothers. My Mom complained "When I was pregnant the Dr.'s told you to walk" blah, blah, blah and was really negative about the signs, HOWEVER as soon as I became pregnant her attitude completely changed. She would then complain, "I bet the person that parked there isn't even pregnant". I swear, she can't be pleased.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I remember when they 1st came out with the signs, I was looking for a parking space and my Mom thought we'd found one but it was for expecting mothers. My Mom complained "When I was pregnant the Dr.'s told you to walk" blah, blah, blah and was really negative about the signs, HOWEVER as soon as I became pregnant her attitude completely changed. She would then complain, "I bet the person that parked there isn't even pregnant". I swear, she can't be pleased.

Is your Mom MsKanga?

 

[stinkerbelle]

What do you mean not enforceable? All you have to do is hang your positive pregnancy test (dated and notarized by your doctor) on your rear-view mirror! All other will be towed.

Someone want to pee on this stick for me?

hehe...jk!

My DH actually hates it when he goes shopping with me...I park far out (and next to a carriage corral) on purpose. Extra exercise.

 

[lulu71]

You know...how did our mothers ever manage without closer spots to the grocery store/wal-mart/target when they were pregnant with us?



Gosh...are we all getting soft?


ok ok...flame away...

You 're right, it's amazing we all lived. To think my poor mother had to walk all that way, but at least she got to finish her cigarette. Oh wait, no, she probably lit up in the store.

I really doubt I'll use the spots, and haven't yet. If I can walk around WDW, I think I can handle a parking spot not right in front. I pass them up, there must be some other expectant mom that needs it more than me.

 

[KathyTX]

I think these spaces are a nice courtesy for someone who may need them.

What's wrong with a little courtesy? If you see a frazzled mom in the parking lot, trying to get her uncooperative toddler buckled in his carseat and loading her groceries in her trunk, would you take a moment to offer to return her cart to the corral? Same kind of thing- a small kindness on your part which costs you very little.

 

[Mskanga]

Is your Mom MsKanga?

I'm not that old Steve!!!
Those spots are reserved for you now....