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Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 - Travel (220) - Nairaland

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Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Coquette86(f): 8:21am On May 07, 2017
I've been a quiet follower. Thank you all for the useful information you drop here. It helps.

I got into US yesterday afternoon. I was armed with so many document, I even took my marriage certificate sef. (used none). Traveled with my spouse and son. The immigration officer only asked 3 questions:

Q: Are you planning to have your baby here?
A: Yes. My spouse jumps in and says maybe.
Q: How long do you plan to stay?
A: 4 months. My husband is here for 3 weeks then he's off.
Q: Forum you have any food?
A: Yes. All dry foods

He says great then says he needs to verify some things and sends us off to the dreaded inner office. We sat there playing and gisting till I was called. The Officer asked where I was staying. Told him and he stamped me in for 6 months. He nicely walked us down to baggage claim and welcomed us the US. The End.

Please excuse any typos. My brain is barely alert.

N.B. my Visa was a B1/B2 that our family got last year before I got pregnant. I sent in a change of Intent notice as advised here. Thank you all and do have a pleasant week ahead.

7 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by anonymousmum: 3:09pm On May 07, 2017
POE story loaded...

Emirates:

I had send an email to the Emirates office with my info and status of pregnancy, they responded that I did not have to fill the MEDIF form and I was good to go. I shaa printed the emial to take with me before someone will tell me another thing.

At boarding, they asked me for fit to fly, I gave them the sample one on the website I had gotten my Doctor to fill, but they asked for one on a hospital letterhead. I gave it to them and they let me through.

Flight to Dubai was basic, nothing fancy. Travelling with an active 2 year old, he scattered my tray of food, threw tantrums, etc. 5 hours into a 7 hour flight, he eventually slept. Pleasant hostesses, with plenty gifts for the kiddo, coloring book and pencils for him, a stuffed toy with a blanket in it, cute.

Dubai airport lovely as usual, stroller for kid etc . Connection of 3 hours, pretty short and flew by quickly.

15 hour flight from DXB to IAH was loooong! In retrospect I would not do it again, kilode. Thankfully my son was pretty well behaved this time around.

POE:

Immigration queue was bloody long. I was trying to look helpless as if someone will just assist me, or bump me up the queue, nothing o.
No stroller for kids, no special assistance, nothing. I know sey I dan enter America be that, all man for himself.

After about 1.5 hours on the queue, I was pissed but arranged my face when I got to the front

Me: Good afternoon
POE Officer: Good Afternoon. I can see you are pregnant, you have a kid with a US passport, and you are Nigerian. CanI see your receipts?
Me: *taken aback at how direct he was, showed him all my recepits, I had arranged and labeleld them for each provider (dr, hospital, paed, epirudal etc)*
POE Officer: I dont want receipts, show me all the zero balance letters
Me: Showed him all the zero balance letters
POE Officer: I am convinced. Make sure you come with your receipts everytime you travel to the US, even if you dont have hard copy, ensure you have it in your email. I can see you came prepared. Well done. make sure you do the same for this pregnancy.

took my finger prints and said I was good to go.
I said thank you and quickly left lol

Of course the oversabi Agriculture people had to do their thing and pulled me to one side, I guess I had Naija written all over me.

Agric: What do you have?
Me: garri, ground egusi, ground crayfish, regular dried fish,
Agric: Do you have indomie?
Me: No

Scanned my bags through the machine, said I was free to go.

Headed to my host, exhausted much. Waiting to commence all the waka of dr and hospital this week.

8 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by bevybay(f): 3:12pm On May 07, 2017
Hello good people, please can someone please assist to link me with a doctor's contact details and a hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts.i intend to have my baby in the US,i have a place to stay at montrose street,Worcester, Massachusetts ,01610 and would want to initiate the process.

Would appreciate a prompt response
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by happyday: 3:14pm On May 07, 2017
Coquette86:
I've been a quiet follower. Thank you all for the useful information you drop here. It helps.

I got into US yesterday afternoon. I was armed with so many document, I even took my marriage certificate sef. (used none). Traveled with my spouse and son. The immigration officer only asked 3 questions:

Q: Are you planning to have your baby here?
A: Yes. My spouse jumps in and says maybe.
Q: How long do you plan to stay?
A: 4 months. My husband is here for 3 weeks then he's off.
Q: Forum you have any food?
A: Yes. All dry foods

He says great then says he needs to verify some things and sends us off to the dreaded inner office. We sat there playing and gisting till I was called. The Officer asked where I was staying. Told him and he stamped me in for 6 months. He nicely walked us down to baggage claim and welcomed us the US. The End.

Please excuse any typos. My brain is barely alert.

N.B. my Visa was a B1/B2 that our family got last year before I got pregnant. I sent in a change of Intent notice as advised here. Thank you all and do have a pleasant week ahead.

Welcome! Wishing you a safe delivery.

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by sugah: 3:27pm On May 07, 2017
bevybay:
Hello good people, please can someone please assist to link me with a doctor's contact details and a hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts.i intend to have my baby in the US,i have a place to stay at montrose street,Worcester, Massachusetts ,01610 and would want to initiate the process.

Would appreciate a prompt response
Maybe you should ask your people you are staying with to help source for hospital for you as Worcester, Massachusetts isn't a popular destination.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Goldie10: 3:44pm On May 07, 2017
Any one with help on the below? any September mamas in the house using whmc?

Goldie10:
Hello House,

Please anyone know how to book a flight on BA without having to use a dollar card or credit card on their website? Trying to secure a ticket to Houston that's looking affordable and would like to pay ASAP.

Your help will be appreciated.

P.S - I called yesterday and was told I could use the GTB online banking platform but there's no book on hold option for the ticket to enable me hold it and pay using GTB. Preference is to pay naira equivalent as there's a difference between airline naira rate and rate I have purchased the dollars on my USD card.

Thanks all
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Laboogie: 4:26pm On May 07, 2017
Goldie10:
Any one with help on the below? any September mamas in the house using whmc?


Hello ,

The only option you have to pay for your BA ticket is to get someone abroad to pay on your behalf.

The margin on the naira equivalent if you have to pay using GT is more than 3000usd.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Ddoy2003: 5:31pm On May 07, 2017
congratulations anonymousmum:
POE story loaded...

Emirates:

I had send an email to the Emirates office with my info and status of pregnancy, they responded that I did not have to fill the MEDIF form and I was good to go. I shaa printed the emial to take with me before someone will tell me another thing.

At boarding, they asked me for fit to fly, I gave them the sample one on the website I had gotten my Doctor to fill, but they asked for one on a hospital letterhead. I gave it to them and they let me through.

Flight to Dubai was basic, nothing fancy. Travelling with an active 2 year old, he scattered my tray of food, threw tantrums, etc. 5 hours into a 7 hour flight, he eventually slept. Pleasant hostesses, with plenty gifts for the kiddo, coloring book and pencils for him, a stuffed toy with a blanket in it, cute.

Dubai airport lovely as usual, stroller for kid etc . Connection of 3 hours, pretty short and flew by quickly.

15 hour flight from DXB to IAH was loooong! In retrospect I would not do it again, kilode. Thankfully my son was pretty well behaved this time around.

POE:

Immigration queue was bloody long. I was trying to look helpless as if someone will just assist me, or bump me up the queue, nothing o.
No stroller for kids, no special assistance, nothing. I know sey I dan enter America be that, all man for himself.

After about 1.5 hours on the queue, I was pissed but arranged my face when I got to the front

Me: Good afternoon
POE Officer: Good Afternoon. I can see you are pregnant, you have a kid with a US passport, and you are Nigerian. CanI see your receipts?
Me: *taken aback at how direct he was, showed him all my recepits, I had arranged and labeleld them for each provider (dr, hospital, paed, epirudal etc)*
POE Officer: I dont want receipts, show me all the zero balance letters
Me: Showed him all the zero balance letters
POE Officer: I am convinced. Make sure you come with your receipts everytime you travel to the US, even if you dont have hard copy, ensure you have it in your email. I can see you came prepared. Well done. make sure you do the same for this pregnancy.

took my finger prints and said I was good to go.
I said thank you and quickly left lol

Of course the oversabi Agriculture people had to do their thing and pulled me to one side, I guess I had Naija written all over me.

Agric: What do you have?
Me: garri, ground egusi, ground crayfish, regular dried fish,
Agric: Do you have indomie?
Me: No

Scanned my bags through the machine, said I was free to go.

Headed to my host, exhausted much. Waiting to commence all the waka of dr and hospital this week.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Bimsebony: 8:31pm On May 07, 2017
Mrsbaby:



Make una sorry if this is a long read. I write for a living #smiles


Hi Mrsbaby

Please i need info from you in the hospital and Dr you are using in Maryland. I have called quite a number and they are pricey like you said. Please you can private chat me if you can. Hope the twins are doing great. Thanks in advance.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by cutieb(f): 9:56pm On May 07, 2017
Oh great! I never book flight o..the prices Na die..ll keep you posted sha..

EEden:
I am a late July mum using doctores parati, I intend using intown SUITES as well but would be traveling with my mum. Biko let me know about ur flight booking o, cos d prices I dey see na die. Also, let's connect abeg so boredom dosnt finish someone
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by DrPrincess: 10:35pm On May 07, 2017
Congrats mum
Your zero balance letters were from hosp and doctor only, right?
Why didn't you need medif, did u travel earlier than 35weeks or 32 wks?

anonymousmum:
POE story loaded...

Emirates:

I had send an email to the Emirates office with my info and status of pregnancy, they responded that I did not have to fill the MEDIF form and I was good to go. I shaa printed the emial to take with me before someone will tell me another thing.

At boarding, they asked me for fit to fly, I gave them the sample one on the website I had gotten my Doctor to fill, but they asked for one on a hospital letterhead. I gave it to them and they let me through.

Pleasant hostesses, with plenty gifts for the kiddo, coloring book and pencils for him, a stuffed toy with a blanket in it, cute.

Dubai airport lovely as usual, stroller for kid etc . Connection of 3 hours, pretty short and flew by quickly.

POE:

Me: Good afternoon
POE Officer: Good Afternoon. I can see you are pregnant, you have a kid with a US passport, and you are Nigerian. CanI see your receipts?
Me: *taken aback at how direct he was, showed him all my recepits, I had arranged and labeleld them for each provider (dr, hospital, paed, epirudal etc)*
POE Officer: I dont want receipts, show me all the zero balance letters
Me: Showed him all the zero balance letters
POE Officer: I am convinced. Make sure you come with your receipts everytime you travel to the US, even if you dont have hard copy, ensure you have it in your email. I can see you came prepared. Well done. make sure you do the same for this pregnancy...
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by anonymousmum: 11:11pm On May 07, 2017
DrPrincess:
Congrats mum
Your zero balance letters were from hosp and doctor only, right?
Why didn't you need medif, did u travel earlier than 35weeks or 32 wks?


Usually all providers provide a zero balance letter, or some documentation that shows zero at the bottom of the page.

From the tone of the form, the MEDIF is primarily for people with serious illnesses, I sent it to them just to be sure but from their response I did not have to. This was EMIRATE's response after I sent MEDIF to them:

Thank you for your mail,
Please find below details required for expectant mother, you are required to present
Medical certificate on official letter head, either from the Doctor, Hospital or Clinic at the airport on travel date.


Expectant mothers are normally not regarded as Person with Disabilities however certain restrictions apply which are given below - medical certificate or letter :-

1. No medical certificate or letter is required up to the end of the 28th week of an uncomplicated single pregnancy.
2. Common complications in pregnancy that require a medical certificate or letter can include gestational diabetes / pre-eclampsia and eclampsia / placenta praevia / intrauterine growth retardation and premature rupture of membranes.
3. When the pregnancy has entered the 29th week a medical certificate or letter issued by a qualified doctor or midwife (an official letter head of Doctor, Hospital or Clinic) stating fitness to fly and confirming the expected date of delivery is required.
4. Medical certificate can be on official letter head, either from the Doctor, Hospital or Clinic.
5. No approval required from medical services up to the end of the 36th week.
6. The certificate or letter must be returned to the passenger after verification as it might be required at down-line stations. If required a photocopy may be retained.


Acceptance

In addition to the certificate requirement there are certain limitations as the pregnancy nears its end. These are

(a.) Uncomplicated single pregnancies - accept up to end of the 36th week.

(b.) Multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets - accept up to end of the 32nd week

2 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Mrsbaby: 11:59pm On May 07, 2017
Bimsebony:


Hi Mrsbaby

Please i need info from you in the hospital and Dr you are using in Maryland. I have called quite a number and they are pricey like you said. Please you can private chat me if you can. Hope the twins are doing great. Thanks in advance.

awww. Just seeing this. Biko, I dont know how to private chat. I paid less than 8k for Anne Arundale clinic and then paid 2k for my doctor. Let me know how to reach you privately so I can tell you more.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Vlesparza: 12:41am On May 08, 2017
EEden:
I am a late July mum using doctores parati, I intend using intown SUITES as well but would be traveling with my mum. Biko let me know about ur flight booking o, cos d prices I dey see na die. Also, let's connect abeg so boredom dosnt finish someone

There are always plenty of people from Nigeria and other countries staying at InTown in El Paso. Meeting other people from your country will not be a problem.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Dariio: 3:21am On May 08, 2017
Hello All,
Please I'm looking for information on accommodation in Houston area (short stay) for both birthing and vacation.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by DrPrincess: 7:07am On May 08, 2017
Thanks a lot. Your answers were really helpful. I'm also flying Emirates with my 2yr old toddler. I'm praying the journey will be a stressless one.
anonymousmum:


Usually all providers provide a zero balance letter, or some documentation that shows zero at the bottom of the page.

From the tone of the form, the MEDIF is primarily for people with serious illnesses, I sent it to them just to be sure but from their response I did not have to. This was EMIRATE's response after I sent MEDIF to them:

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by baeboss: 7:34am On May 08, 2017
Send a pm.
Dariio:
Hello All,
Please I'm looking for information on accommodation in Houston area (short stay) for both birthing and vacation.

Any ideas?

Thank you.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by baeboss: 7:39am On May 08, 2017
Have you checked out Oakbend in Houston?

cutieb:
Hello Everyone,

Any Mid-July moms in the house using Doctores parati? I planned on using HNWH and Dr. Xydas but i might have to port to El paso to use es para ti due to accommodation wahala. my host isn't available for the period of my stay so no choice and other place i have family na newyork, michigan and Philly. and the bills na die. or is there any other cheap hosp option for recommendation? I heard MIHS is pretty cheap..how true? anyone with stories from MIHS
if any mom is in my shoes biko lets hook up o so we can book and accommodation and also shop together. I feel am gonna be bored and lonely when i get there. i intend traveling early June. haven't booked my ticket yet though.. i heard Insuite is cheap $170 per week....
Biko help a sister out o grin grin
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by fatima04: 8:30am On May 08, 2017
Hello house,

Thanks to everyone who contributes positively to this forum, it makes the whole missionary journey less stressful and arms one with current and up to date information. Now to the famous giving back.

Missionary journey ended March 31 officially, had an existing valid visa prior to pregnancy. After extensive research on POE and flight cost I settled for Ethiopian airlines and booked my ticket 3months before travel date. As much as Ethiopian airline has great on board experience, one will be frustrated with their level of disorganisation from Nigeria, but they do have great IFE, Bassinet for baby, 4 course meal (prepare for some tomato and pepperless food), short flight duration.

My Nigerian flight was cancelled due to bad weather after being called for boarding and had to miss my previously booked flight on united airline and its not refundable since am missing the originating outbound flight from New jersey (the thing pain me oo )

New Jersey POE was great,long queue but quite fast
CBP: Hello
Me; Hi
CBP: Why are you here
Me: Childbirth and vacation
CBP: What do you do back home
ME: Quantity surveyor (had to use cost engineer to explain)
CBP: Oh! I was once in the construction industry, but not anymore due to bad economy
Me: True, Nigerian economy too is getting affected
CBP: how long will you be here for?
Me: 12 weeks and he stamped me for 6months


My final destination was Odessa texas (8hrs drive from houston) and great town I must say. Had my first appointment with DR G and I was presented with a bill of 2200 (1500 for delivery and 700 for 1st office visit,scan and all test required)

Hospital used was ORMC, they have an agreement already drafted out for self/cash paying patient,

Hospital bills for 2 days/ 1night delivery (this covers mother ,baby/babies)
VD- 2500
Epidural - 425
CS- 4425 (epidural is compulsory)
Additional stay is 1000dollars
circumcision is 800 (doctor charges 200 for the procedure as well)

US passport - 165dollars
Passport photograph - 7.74 dollars (2 copies at walmart)
ETC - 385 dollars (P.S- I presented this to travel at the US airport and wasn't asked any question afterwards)
Birth certificate- 23 dollars
babys one way ticket -76 dollars (after spending hours on phone with different samuels in Ethiopia, who told me their system doesnt accept Nigeria cards be it Naira or dollar denominated)

lesson learnt;
1. PRAY!PRAY!!PRAY!!! pregnancy isnt easy and the stress of birthing in another country faraway from home increases the stress and uncertainty.
2. start your processing early to gather all info and document
3. book your ticket,accommodation (if necessary) early to reduce stress of finances and you focus on the journey itself
4. book your local flight when you are in the plane leaving for USA or have someone do it for you (southwest comes highly recommended)
5. Having any family member for assistance will be highly helpful if traveling alone
6. Dont debate PKU test, it is compulsory in the state of texas (na fear of dollar)
7. RESEARCH, READ, RESEARCH, READ in that order over and over again.
8. Always ask questions to be sure of the deal you are getting
9. Start your babys passport application early, to avoid unecessary delay and if you dont have SSN ensure to sign a declaration form with your application.

24 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by nazstra: 8:33am On May 08, 2017
Iyabeji12:


Contact the help desk. They'll ask for a scanned data page of her passport and they'll sort it out so her profile will be attached to the new email

Í appreciate your response. Have done that already, but no response. Dont Know What else to do. Thanks again. Pls Just in case í Didn't send the mail through the right channel. Is these an e-mail address to send it to?
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Iyabeji12(f): 10:20am On May 08, 2017
nazstra:


Í appreciate your response. Have done that already, but no response. Dont Know What else to do. Thanks again. Pls Just in case í Didn't send the mail through the right channel. Is these an e-mail address to send it to?

support@ustraveldocs.com. they usually respond within 48hrs
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Goldie10: 10:53am On May 08, 2017
Thank you. I will try that.

Laboogie:


Hello ,

The only option you have to pay for your BA ticket is to get someone abroad to pay on your behalf.

The margin on the naira equivalent if you have to pay using GT is more than 3000usd.

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by heavenangels(f): 12:26pm On May 08, 2017
Any Houston Bound Oct/Nov Mamas in the house?

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by agumesia(f): 12:35pm On May 08, 2017
Please need information on any cheap hospital/accomodation in Atlanta
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by chibertha(f): 12:54pm On May 08, 2017
I have check your mail.
pweeryambre:

babe... can you inbox me let's chat privately OK...thanks
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by nazstra: 1:08pm On May 08, 2017
Iyabeji12:


support@ustraveldocs.com. they usually respond within 48hrs

Thanks a Million, you are só o o o o helpful
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Bimsebony: 9:07pm On May 08, 2017
Mrsbaby:


awww. Just seeing this. Biko, I dont know how to private chat. I paid less than 8k for Anne Arundale clinic and then paid 2k for my doctor. Let me know how to reach you privately som I can tell you more.

Thanks alot @Mrsbaby

Please you can email me on bimsebony@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by goodwealthman(m): 10:10pm On May 08, 2017
PLEASE HOUSE WHAT IS THE NEXT AVAILABLE DATE FOR VISA INTERVIEW IN ABUJA & LAGOS?

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