simababe:



Was about giving same suggestion for those that can hustle like moi. Dh booked my ticket on tuesday tru a friend in ghana for 468k, 10:30hrz flight with delta airline. So I"ll book lagos to ghana hopefully for 50k then port from there. So in all we shudnt be spending more than 530k for the whole package. Anywayz goodluc to us all. Av got less than 8weeks to move.

I'm trying this your style too, did book on hold from ghana. called emirates lagos office, they said if i want to pay here, i have to give them dollars cash not naira equivalent or pay with a dollar dominated card. otherwise, i shld pay directly to emirates accra office. this ticket issue is making my brain spin, i really want emirates. Got turkish today for 510k (1 adult + 1 infant) and this happens to be the cheapest

Harjeehbaday:

I haven't but have submitted my aplication since..no call oo..my travel is next week
Pls helep me oooooo
I intend calling them today...meanwhile standard chartered told me no PTA for now
I tire oooo

Na wa ooo. my travel is in 2 weeks...my fingers hurt from crossing them.
Standard chart dint help, Gtbank is still asking me to 'wait and see'. God dey.

This my write up is dedicated to the Glory of God and for the benefits of humanity.

First of all, I want to thank God for directing me to Nairaland in my quest to give birth in America. In the same vein, may the Lord bless Justwise, uchetobi and thababe for their personal push in giving me the courage to go ahead on my choice of hospital. God will reward Skelemba for starting this thread and the person who made mention of the possible use of Birthing Centres in the USA. For the lady who first birth at Del Sol Hospital, El Paso, Vivianoba for discovering MIHS and the lady who suggested birthing at Grand Prairie Dallas, thereby making it realisable to birth in America without 'breaking' the Banks or taking loans; you all are the guiding lights.

This is bumzespecial before the tsunami that hit nairaland and there had been delay in giving back because my hands have been full as I know I'll like to write a 'lengthy epistle'. My story is going to be in parts for easy read and digestion, so relax with your bottle of groundnut and your cup of wine (lolz). I will be breaking some 'old Myths' about birthing in America, so please, have an open mind and pick the ones that will benefit you. I went, I saw, I conquered and came back victorious and triumphantly, so whatever tip you get from my write-up is borne out of an experience. So don't hesitate to take some step after this, as nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The Road to America

I had my B1/B2 visa late 2013 for tourism purpose as a family, a month after I discovered I had taken in so couldn't go for the vacation that year due to morning sickness, though hubby went for conference a month after we got it. He is a frequent US traveller while I was a first timer though being to other countries together.
Families and friends suggested I use the visa for birthing purpose, so I stumbled on to Nairaland early 2014 in my bid for research. Read from page 1 for an informed decision and made up my mind on what I wanted in terms of the city to go juxtaposing it with the funds at hand. Considering the fact that before getting the visa I didn't plan to birth in the US in the first place but when the chance presented itself, I wanted to pay my bill and come back in peace and be able to enter the US again. With the help of info I got from here, I wrote to the embassy on change of intent and for my record to be updated, got the usual response and this further gave me the courage to move on.

My Choice of Hospital
I stream lined my search to Phoenix and El Paso, I wanted to go to MIHS but preferred El Paso as a city having researched it as a peaceful and quite affordable in terms of living. So I got University Medical Centre (UMC) with a choice of using the Midwifery option. This led me to a clinic Maternidad La Luz (MLL), the birth place; they specialise in womanly delivery with the choice of using water birth and a host of others as birth plans to relieve the woman of labour pain rather than the medical intervention. This was good by me as I'm not really a fan of the epidural thingy and didn't want a situation where I could be forced to go for a CS for a no just cause. After reading up on the place from their website and their reviews, I sent a mail to the clinic requesting for a tour once I arrived El Paso before making up my mind.

POE exprience: Flew Air Maroc to JFK with my 3years old toddler then, it wasn't a bad experiment and journey was short. Told the officer I came to have a baby and asked how much I had with me of which I replied $500. He was obviously in a hurry to go as it was their closing hour, we arrived around 6pm, so he handed my docs over to another guy in their inner chamber. He asked same question and I told him my mission, he asked for supporting documents like change of intent, accommodation, hospital, statement of account and return tickets, I gladly showed everything to him and he was impressed and praised me for my honesty, we also shared some jokes. Though $400 was stolen from my $500 cash at LaGuardia by an impostor Military officer who was trying to help me book my local flight on his laptop...story for another day. This made me to travel by road (as suggested by the thief) to El Paso the next morning as I couldn't afford the exorbitant fare at the airport since I didn't book ahead. (Road trip was fun).

FASTForward...
Arrived El Paso, made a tour of the clinic and was ok by it, I had thought if my mind wasn't at peace with it I would go to MIHS as I already booked appointment with them, so had to call them to cancel it after settling down.


Though was meant to stay at His Grace Lodge but wasn't ready at the time, so I majorly stayed in Intown Suites and made some lasting friendship from across the globe.

The city of El Paso
I was given so many nicknames by co-sojourners due to my disoveries of the city and how to move around by Metro Bus...some called me 'The General of El Paso', to some I was the Iyalaje of El Paso and to some others I was called Ojukwu Eji Aba...lol! The Church (RCCG) stood for us all and had a name for me as well, 'Kingdom Helper'.
Should you need places to hang out, dine or shop in El Paso, feel free to ask.
I did Nigeria passport for my son on my way back to Nigeria in NY.

I hope I didn't leave any part out? Should you need clarification on any segment of my write-up or some other things, please do not hesitate to ask, though hardly come here now cos my hands are full but inbox or a mention should alert me.

NB: There are other Midwifery Clinics in El Paso and in Houston, in fact all over Texas and other States. I have read here how some people criticize Birthing Centers operated by Midwives, by saying they will rather give birth in Nigeria. I would like to burst your bubble, the difference is clear, America Standard cannot be watered down in any practice, we must put God first in everything and let your faith speak for you. I gave birth to my daughter in Mother and Child in Ikeja Lagos, with the hope that the owner who happened to be a Gynecologist would take my delivery, I went into labour middle of the night, it was the midwife on duty with the assistance of a young GP that took my delivery.
Besides, Midwives usually take deliveries in the UK, so nothing to fear as long as it's an uncomplicated pregnancy.

I'm free now, as I promised myself I would give back, come what may..thank God for hubby for his constant reminder as well.

I hope I didn't bore you all with the Epistle. Thank you and God bless.

hotmummy2015:
Part 4 of this thread hmmm
I travelled early in the month to NYC and went in thru Newark ( EWR) - I hadnt heard anything negative about them though. I was armed with all my receipts ,xero balance gbo gbo eh, fully ready, the guy was just confused anyhow, asking how come we have a nigerian passport and a child with blue pali ( in my head im like really!! ) we sha explained that we gave birth to her here last year - the guy was clearly confused, he asked again if we were permanent residents, I was like no, after asking where we worked he sha stamped us in and said welcome back enjoy your stay, no documents checked ..IS that POE lenient like JFK or i just met the right person...

thats how i was bored last week and i thought to check out some newyork hospitals prices since boredom wanted to kill me in atlanta on my 1st missionary journey, hahahaha - the three i saw no go area, chai the quest for cheaper hospitals continues...

When you went and confused the guy nko?

@MamaToks, road trip, from NY to El Paso, with belle?? I am shocked! With toddler again!!!

I will like to hear the impostor story and how you were scammed.

@MamaToks

Sorry i have to edit some part of your post where you unintentionally did a marketing/promotional pieces for certain hospital.

No vex...i don't want to rain on your parade

Mama's heading to Dallas early August pls lets rub minds
I av gotten JPS appointment n Dr's contact need to send my prenatal reports

Hi everyone. Pls this is for @njidekachi and everyone else who can help. Pls you posted about a friend who's in real estate in LA who helped you sort your accommodation. I beg you, do you mind giving me his contact as I'm seriously considering LA for my waka and I'm looking for affordable accommodation. Planning to use Dr. M and St Francis as well, sending you a pm now if you don't mind. Or does anyone have any info for affordable accomodation in LA? Pls assist. Thanks

Maggie0133:
Please does anyone know any good doctor and hospital that will accept me at 36 weeks in Dallas. That also accept form A

Please help a sister

Hi Maggie0133 u can send me a dm so i can send u the UNT number to reach Dr Shanna Combs office tho you would need to send your medical reports for her to review first before deciding whether to take u on at 36 weeks.

Don't know if i can post the number openly for others interested.

HillyMa:
Mama's heading to Dallas early August pls lets rub minds
I av gotten JPS appointment n Dr's contact need to send my prenatal reports

JPS? Are they still accepting international patients? How much is their hospital fee?

nefertitiram:
@MamaToks, road trip, from NY to El Paso, with belle?? I am shocked! With toddler again!!!

I will like to hear the impostor story and how you were scammed.

@Nerf...I will try and update later..hmmn!

A friend of mine had her interview this morning and was denied all because an agent who filled her form put business and vacation. She was obviously pregnant so I already advised she tell the truth. So when they ask her if she would be seeking medical care she answered no. The lady was like thanks for ur honesty but you didn't fill this form urself right she said yes. So the lady said she is sorry she wouldn't be able to give her that next time she should fill it herself and that she just might get the visa. Now this agent is still calling for balancing after she already paid 100k. Maybe I should become an agent sef at least I can guarantee a visa to some extent. Because like this thread has taught me Honesty is the Key.

nefertitiram:


Next tiime, buy frm them, make changes with airlines directly. Simple

if you buy from agent and want to make changes you contact airline they tell you to contact your agent, this has happened to me twice the only time I was able to use airline was when Airfrance offered me an upgrade to business class for 58k extra and I paid so they upgraded me, before then I attempted date change they said contact your agent and agent na wakanow yeye people

She answered yes I mean

tbash16:
A friend of mine had her interview this morning and was denied all because an agent who filled her form put business and vacation. She was obviously pregnant so I already advised she tell the truth. So when they ask her if she would be seeking medical care she answered no. The lady was like thanks for ur honesty but you didn't fill this form urself right she said yes. So the lady said she is sorry she wouldn't be able to give her that next time she should fill it herself and that she just might get the visa. Now this agent is still calling for balancing after she already paid 100k. Maybe I should become an agent sef at least I can guarantee a visa to some extent. Because like this thread has taught me Honesty is the Key.

balance ko balance ni ko wa fo gbe, ode oshi filled rubbish in form and still asking for balance th agent isn't even concerned about the refusal she encountered, 100k just to fill form and obviously book appointment o ma ga gan o, sorry about her refusal i'm sure she will fill her form to the best of her knowledge next time, I feel so bad when I see these agents mess things up for people and fill total nonsense

justwise:
@MamaToks

Sorry i have to edit some part of your post where you unintentionally did a marketing/promotional pieces for certain hospital.

No vex...i don't want to rain on your parade

No problem.

chloe7:
if you buy from agent and want to make changes you contact airline they tell you to contact your agent, this has happened to me twice the only time I was able to use airline was when Airfrance offered me an upgrade to business class for 58k extra and I paid so they upgraded me, before then I attempted date change they said contact your agent and agent na wakanow yeye people

Depending on the situation, you might get the airline to help. My last trip from US, we missed our flight from ORL to JFK (booked independently) which meant we would miss our flights to naija. Called Etihad and told them my agent was asleep cos of the time difference and I was attended to after several minutes cos he kept getting different errors everytime he tried....thank God for unlimited call and text plans my credit for finish.

justwise:


There is no way to know that really but with the nature of your job you should be fine, i guess this is where note verbale becomes very useful.

Thanks..............

Pls has anyone gone Tru Dallas fort Worth poe with big Tommy? I will b due by Nov and will travel in Sept. Does any have info of hos in Wylie or close to? I have a B1B2 visa and will love to have my baby over there. LA assist I am new here.

Pls I am new on this platform I mean. Thanks

Yes o... trying to get for my mum. Na wa o!

nefertitiram:


It's now over 300k

isysleek:
Yes o... trying to get for my mum. Na wa o!

@isysleek, pls how was d in-flight entertainment with medview on ur flight to London. Thanks

The fight was ok... I liked it cos it was cheap, on-time, hostesses courteous and plenty empty seats to rest well. they have like 5 programmed movies for inflight entertainment so not great. You can get movies on your tablet. I didn't even have time for that one thanks to my small madam. They give African food on board, efo riro,edikinkan, jollof etc. And then snacks later. They land in gatwick so you won't experience the craziness of heathrow when you want to do VAT refunds on your departure cos no crowd at all. I was the only one when I did mine. Hope this helps.

favouredmum:

Hi, pls can u share ur flight experience with medview cos I'm flying dem to London in August with a toddler as well. How was the in-flight entertainment.

Went through DFW last 2weeks precisely. Not really big tummy and the only question asked was where is my hospital correspondence. Which I gave them and I was stamped in 6months

Please how I need clarifications on some things. Have cleared my bills and have gotten zero balance account but my question is about my twins still in the NICU.As at yesterday their bill is about $160,000 and I think they would be there till about 2 weeks although they are doing very well. The two are off oxygen and are even trying to get them to breastfeed and bottlefeed. My question is concerning the payment plan for the NICU,the hospital said they can't go beyond 45% discount and u have to pay within 6months. I have been talking to them&even their financial manager. She said it's the hospital policy&that is why they said I should apply for medic-aid for the twins under low-weight birth and preterm babies as they are citizens.
Am so disorganised right now as I know I can't raise that amount in 6months since am not dasuki or dangote. Have paid all my bills but the NICU for the babies is giving me sleepless night. I spoke with a Nigerian woman who just moved here,she had quadruplet last 2years in JPS,she said she paid all her bills but got medic-aid for the quadruplet as one even has a major operation as a premie. Please what is the best option I can go for

temyb:
Please how I need clarifications on some things. Have cleared my bills and have gotten zero balance account but my question is about my twins still in the NICU.As at yesterday their bill is about $160,000 and I think they would be there till about 2 weeks although they are doing very well. The two are off oxygen and are even trying to get them to breastfeed and bottlefeed. My question is concerning the payment plan for the NICU,the hospital said they can't go beyond 45% discount and u have to pay within 6months. I have been talking to them&even their financial manager. She said it's the hospital policy&that is why they said I should apply for medic-aid for the twins under low-weight birth and preterm babies as they are citizens.
Am so disorganised right now as I know I can't raise that amount in 6months since am not dasuki or dangote. Have paid all my bills but the NICU for the babies is giving me sleepless night. I spoke with a Nigerian woman who just moved here,she had quadruplet last 2years in JPS,she said she paid all her bills but got medic-aid for the quadruplet as one even has a major operation as a premie. Please what is the best option I can go for

@LagosNIV and @AbujaNIV, I'm aware we are expected to be equal to the bills if we decide to seek medical care in the US, and that it doesn't come cheap too. If you can, be blunt sirs. Please, will touching Medicaid in this situation still get one into "trouble" even if from all calculations this couldn't have been deliberately planned out? What would have been her way out having reached this crossroad? To refuse NICU for AMERICAN CITIZENS (her children)? Is it that there's a means she has not exhausted to cut this bill down or at least get a workable payment plan? Should she just as a last resort - if she cant handle the bills right now - take the Medicaid for her children's sake and forget about visiting America subsequently or till by some stroke of fate she's enabled to pay up soonest? Is this ever explainable at the Embassy or with the CBP? At least diplomatically direct us if straight-jacket answers ain't possible, please. #Sighs #Pained

Hopefully, this post is allowed to stand!

isysleek:
The fight was ok... I liked it cos it was cheap, on-time, hostesses courteous and plenty empty seats to rest well. they have like 5 programmed movies for inflight entertainment so not great. You can get movies on your tablet. I didn't even have time for that one thanks to my small madam. They give African food on board, efo riro,edikinkan, jollof etc. And then snacks later. They land in gatwick so you won't experience the craziness of heathrow when you want to do VAT refunds on your departure cos no crowd at all. I was the only one when I did mine. Hope this helps.

Thank you so much. I have been reading reviews and have not gotten any good review. Got a very good deal for 353k for myself, hubby and my toddler who will be 13 months when we wld be traveling .
Thanks once again.

the case of temyb is quite similar to the story of the canadian woman that got a bill of $950,000 when she gave birth to a prem while on holiday in the US. somebody posted it some months ago on nairaland. not sure how the case was resolved.

Hello house,
I just got my passport today and I was issued a visa, although I applied through Dropbox renewal, I applied for a B2 visa , but I was given a b1/b2, i just thought I will be issued a B2 visa class or am I missing something ,
Thanks

Please how much was the Air France infant ticket?
And did you get a bassinet?

Ajujuju2:


Absolutely agree at d highlighted.

So i flew AF and was lamenting at d 10kg baby check-in lugagge but alas on d day of my trip: Grace! Not only was my baby luggage extremely overweight and checked in free, I was also able to pay a much cheaper ticket fare for baby at d airport than I had alrdy attempted to pay with card over the phone.

Sometimes we need to worry less and trust God more. His ways are not ours.

sugah:


Na wa ooo. my travel is in 2 weeks...my fingers hurt from crossing them.
Standard chart dint help, Gtbank is still asking me to 'wait and see'. God dey.

Stanbic is still selling but say you must have held an account with them for 2 months.