goodmorning wonderful mummies and daddies, i have been follow this threand for awhile now, wonderful job i must say.
please i just paid visa fee for myself, hubby and my little boy, on a second thought i told hubby to hold on let me go to embassy first, by God grace after i get my visa, they can then go for theirs. am 14weeks gone and have just contacted a Doctor over there via mail but waiting for his feedback. Please am i on the right track? i will appreciate your responses.guidance and advice. my first time post

Also include the long stay hotels. It is usually a furnished self contain apartments with Kitchenet the weekly rate is usually discounted and it will be cleaned once a week with replacement of toiletries, you also have a phone to make local calls for free.

DadiKamC:
Good morning Beautiful family.
A colleague introduced us here a couple of months back and I can say we have received invaluable insights from this thread. I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread.
We went for our visa interview and it was successful. Nothing spectacular from the interview that isn't here on this thread. When the VO asked us why we going to the US to birth, why not UK, SA, or anywhere else? We responded we didn't get referral for those other places. He (VO) interjected and said he can tell us the UK is far cheaper, more convenient and has even better healthcare service. In my mind I am like just give us the Visa and leave where is more convenient for us to decide (Lol). Long story short, he granted us the Visa.
Now we will be going to Houston; Oakbend Medical Centre to be precise anytime from late June to early July. Can anyone please assist us with decent cost effective accommodation which isn't too far from the hospital? We are planning to stay between 8-10 weeks. How much should I budget for our accommodation? Wifey will be going first while I and our 2yrs old LO will join her shortly after. We do not wish to share toilets. A room should be fine for us. Anyone with info should please help us. Thank you all for the guidance and God bless you all immensely.

If that is how you want it then it is ok

DFmum:
goodmorning wonderful mummies and daddies, i have been follow this threand for awhile now, wonderful job i must say.
please i just paid visa fee for myself, hubby and my little boy, on a second thought i told hubby to hold on let me go to embassy first, by God grace after i get my visa, they can then go for theirs. am 14weeks gone and have just contacted a Doctor over there via mail but waiting for his feedback. Please am i on the right track? i will appreciate your responses.guidance and advice. my first time post

chibertha:
Also include the long stay hotels. It is usually a furnished self contain apartments with Kitchenet the weekly rate is usually discounted and it will be cleaned once a week with replacement of toiletries, you also have a phone to make local calls for free.

Any ideas on the weekly rate? Any specific one in mind? Thank you

DadiKamC:
Good morning Beautiful family.
A colleague introduced us here a couple of months back and I can say we have received invaluable insights from this thread. I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread.
We went for our visa interview and it was successful. Nothing spectacular from the interview that isn't here on this thread. When the VO asked us why we going to the US to birth, why not UK, SA, or anywhere else? We responded we didn't get referral for those other places. He (VO) interjected and said he can tell us the UK is far cheaper, more convenient and has even better healthcare service. In my mind I am like just give us the Visa and leave where is more convenient for us to decide (Lol). Long story short, he granted us the Visa.
Now we will be going to Houston; Oakbend Medical Centre to be precise anytime from late June to early July. Can anyone please assist us with decent cost effective accommodation which isn't too far from the hospital? We are planning to stay between 8-10 weeks. How much should I budget for our accommodation? Wifey will be going first while I and our 2yrs old LO will join her shortly after. We do not wish to share toilets. A room should be fine for us. Anyone with info should please help us. Thank you all for the guidance and God bless you all immensely.

We sure will be glad to connect with any family due for delivery by late July/August. I understood sharing of contacts isn't allowed here. Please Admin I hope am in order? Thank you all.

Hello everyone, i am an almost silent observer on this thread. I have gathered as much information as possible,the only thing i am struggling with is best accommodation option. I have pretty much narrowed down to Dr Xydas of HNWMC. As per accommodation, i have a $750/month offer for a room ( all bills and gas covered)- about 10mins from the hospital, which will bring uber to about $15/trip. My question- has anyone used or does anyone know of any accommodation very close to the hospital ( maybe walking distance if possible) that is not that expensive? Also somewhere central to shopping malls etc...

I have tried maps but i think my best bet for answering this question is an experienced person- please help!

Thanks so much!

chibertha:
Also include the long stay hotels. It is usually a furnished self contain apartments with Kitchenet the weekly rate is usually discounted and it will be cleaned once a week with replacement of toiletries, you also have a phone to make local calls for free.

please how much is the weekly or monthly rate

chibertha:
If that is how you want it then it is ok

Thanks for your response.
please how can one book for an accomodation, i learnt you have to present proof of where you intend to stay at the interview, not hotel. Thanks

hello house, after our denied application last year, we decided not to re-apply as changing data within a short period of time might raise red flag. DW gave birth to a bouncing baby boy in Abuja... mother and child in good health. Baby weigh 3.92kg at birth. we all hope to apply for tourist visa when the baby is 6mnths. thanks for everyone that contributed.

Please I have a question I was adviced by some one to pay the doctor upfront of about $500 and get the receipt thag it gives me a better edge at the interview. Is that true.

Great news!!!!!! Congrats on this.




We went for our visa interview and it was successful. Nothing spectacular from the interview that isn't here on this thread. When the VO asked us why we going to the US to birth, why not UK, SA, or anywhere else? We responded we didn't get referral for those other places. He (VO) interjected and said he can tell us the UK is far cheaper, more convenient and has even better healthcare service. In my mind I am like just give us the Visa and leave where is more convenient for us to decide (Lol). Long story short, he granted us the Visa.

DFmum:

Thanks for your response.
please how can one book for an accomodation, i learnt you have to present proof of where you intend to stay at the interview, not hotel. Thanks

hotel, apartment, staying with family or friends - all na accomodation! I doubt the VO or CBP has any preferences...I stand to be corrected, though.
for birth tourism purpose, apartment is far better/cost effective/comfortable than hotels.

the important thing is that for hotel or apartment - you have to show that u can pay for it. the cost should reflect in your budget sheet & your balances must show that u can indeed afford it.

staying with family or friends? you should know something about them - their status in the US, where they stay (that needs not be told,abi? ), what they do, etc. it will also help if they give u a letter stating they'll be accomodating you for the duration of your stay.

that said, u can book hotels or apartments on booking.com, airbnb. those are the only 2 I know. you can also contact some apartment owners directly - soulcare concergie comes highly recommended.

Hello house,
Please who has flown airfrance to us for birthing. Any idea what is needed to board and can DW fly at exactly 36 weeks?
Will doctors fit to fly be okay or just the port health fit to fly?
Where is the port health located and how much to get fit to fly?

Thanks

elohim24:
hello house, after our denied application last year, we decided not to re-apply as changing data within a short period of time might raise red flag. DW gave birth to a bouncing baby boy in Abuja... mother and child in good health. Baby weigh 3.92kg at birth. we all hope to apply for tourist visa when the baby is 6mnths. thanks for everyone that contributed.

Congrats Sir!!! Grateful for safe delivery...and a big well done to mummy...3.9kilos is not easy o....

May God bless your LO in Jesus name and make him great beyond your expectations.

elohim24:
hello house, after our denied application last year, we decided not to re-apply as changing data within a short period of time might raise red flag. DW gave birth to a bouncing baby boy in Abuja... mother and child in good health. Baby weigh 3.92kg at birth. we all hope to apply for tourist visa when the baby is 6mnths. thanks for everyone that contributed.

Congrats sir, May this LO always bring happiness to the family

It may and it may not. It all depends on the VO. Some have asked, some don't. I was not asked for a single document from doctor or hospital. I was denied and I was happy I didn't waste money on doctor payments.

swanky6968:
Please I have a question I was adviced by some one to pay the doctor upfront of about $500 and get the receipt thag it gives me a better edge at the interview. Is that true.

Aibisoye0:
Hello house,
Please who has flown airfrance to us for birthing. Any idea what is needed to board and can DW fly at exactly 36 weeks?
Will doctors fit to fly be okay or just the port health fit to fly?
Where is the port health located and how much to get fit to fly?

Thanks

Air France requires a fit-2-fly from your doctor. this should be within one week or less of travel date. they do not require port health fit to fly - from my LAG experience. I do not know what obtains at PHC or ABJ. their site says they would not fly a pregnant woman 36 weeks & above. if u ask me, I think u should do max. of 35weeks 6days to be on the safe side.
in any case, they didn't ask for my fit to fly altho I had it.

I suggest you should call them to clarify all other doubts.

Hello ladies, am a silent reader on here onto my next missionary journey this month. I was just wondering for those of you that used Dr Xydas of HNWMC and stayed in intown suites or Studio 6 pls what are the discounted prices per month. I would be needing a queen studio pls anyone with info pls reply very urgent my host has disappointed me last minute. I need alternative accommodation travelling this weekend by God's grace.
Many thanks for your reply.

Ojugunrege:


Air France requires a fit-2-fly from your doctor. this should be within one week or less of travel date. they do not require port health fit to fly - from my LAG experience. I do not know what obtains at PHC or ABJ. their site says they would not fly a pregnant woman 36 weeks & above. if u ask me, I think u should do max. of 35weeks 6days to be on the safe side.
in any case, they didn't ask for my fit to fly altho I had it.

I suggest you should call them to clarify all other doubts.

Thanks

amanda0:
Hello ladies, am a silent reader on here onto my next missionary journey this month. I was just wondering for those of you that used Dr Xydas of HNWMC and stayed in intown suites or Studio 6 pls what are the discounted prices per month. I would be needing a queen studio pls anyone with info pls reply very urgent my host has disappointed me last minute. I need alternative accommodation travelling this weekend by God's grace.
Many thanks for your reply.

sorry about the disapontment. you can call the apartments directly for the prices.

Between 180 to 200 USD but it depends on the area.
Those in Katy are cheaper than those on westhimer but there are a lot of them around Harris county don't know about Richmond.

DadiKamC:

Any ideas on the weekly rate? Any specific one in mind? Thank you

Not true you can use a hotel. That's what I use all the time

DFmum:

Thanks for your response.
please how can one book for an accomodation, i learnt you have to present proof of where you intend to stay at the interview, not hotel. Thanks

Congratulations

elohim24:
hello house, after our denied application last year, we decided not to re-apply as changing data within a short period of time might raise red flag. DW gave birth to a bouncing baby boy in Abuja... mother and child in good health. Baby weigh 3.92kg at birth. we all hope to apply for tourist visa when the baby is 6mnths. thanks for everyone that contributed.

Some people do it but yet did not get visa. So it is not a guarantee

swanky6968:
Please I have a question I was adviced by some one to pay the doctor upfront of about $500 and get the receipt thag it gives me a better edge at the interview. Is that true.

Please I am bit confused after reading your POE experience based on the general advise I had already gone through. So if the CBP officer does not ask you 'basic info' you don't have to tell them your reason for visiting is 'child birth'??

Please if anyone can also clarify this for me, I will appreciate it

& secondly since you didn't state your intentions to the CBP as you were not asked, were you still stamped in for 6months (as per the trend I have seen on here) or its not a rule of thumb

valeria:
My POE Experience...
I have studied this thread daily for the past 4 months and gotten answers to all questions I ever had. Thanks to Oozymes, Afrobrown2000 e.t.c for helping out when I needed direction.
I have a valid B1/B2 visa issued February 2017 and used it for summer vacation last year. I sent an email to the embassy in January to notify them of my intent to use same visa for child birth. Got a long and probably generic response that it's not a crime to birth in the US and I should have enough evidence at POE to prove to CBP officer that I can afford and have financial and logistical plans in place.
I left Lagos on 7th March at exactly 35 weeks via Turkish airlines. Got to the airport, located the Port Health office and got a fit to fly certificate at N1,500. I also had a folder with all documents; doctor's fit to fly, US doctor's appointment letter, hospital correspondence and bills, etc.
Got to Istanbul and at the check before boarding, I was asked what the purpose of my trip was. I answered vacation, scans thru my passport and repeated the question. I then said vacation and to have my baby. She walks away with my passport and went inside to her boss, came back to ask for my return itinerary and I was asked to go.
2nd check asked that I write down the address of where I would stay in the US and I did. At boarding, the lady asked how old my pregnancy is and requested my Doctor's certificate of fitness. I showed her and after reading through, she changed my seat to an aisle seat on the first row with enough room space.
Arrived JFK on 8th March at about 6.10pm New York time. Used the self service desk and my slip was circled cos I declared food. I was directed to a long queu with people who had a circle or star on their slips. Movement was very slow on the queu cos everyone had to be checked.
Shortly after, an officer came to our queu and asked some of us to join the queu for US citizens since it was almost empty at the time.
It got to my turn and conversation as follows:
Me: Good evening
CBP: Good evening can I have your passport
Me: Hands over to him
CBP: Do you have food
Me: Yes
CBP: What kind of food?
Me: Ogbono, egusi, crayfish (he was confused and hasn't heard these names before) I tried to explain that they are seeds
CBP: Are they all dry?
Me: Yes
CBP: Do you have fruits, meat or any fresh food?
Me: No
CBP: Stamps my passport and says enjoy your stay
No secondary inspection of my luggage, no question about my pregnancy, how much I have on me e.t.c. I was shocked because on my last visit I was asked the basic questions like why I'm here, how long I will be staying and how much I had on me.
PS. I travelled at 35 weeks but my bump looks like I'm over 37 weeks and this almost got me worried before the trip but thank God it all ended in praise.
I am in NYC and will be heading to Dallas in a few days...
Thanks to you all for making this thread so helpful

I did at 36 weeks went with fit to fly from my ANC Dr. Port health fit to fly was not requested. Go to the airport of choice for location of port health there.
It is also quite easy to get ticket for baby.
Finally check their website for the most up to date information and possibly print it and take along on date of travel.

Aibisoye0:
Hello house,
Please who has flown airfrance to us for birthing. Any idea what is needed to board and can DW fly at exactly 36 weeks?
Will doctors fit to fly be okay or just the port health fit to fly?
Where is the port health located and how much to get fit to fly?

Thanks

Please what hospital

SleekFullah:
Yes Katete I used Dr La last year and he is the word AWESOME!!! He takes his time to explain every single thing to you and also listens to you attentively and answers every question you ask him... He also has a very good sense of humour... His staff are very polite, friendly and very caring... I had my baby during the hurricane, he wasn't on call so Dr Wynn delivered my baby... But when I went back to Dr La for my post partum check up... He was very thorough and took his time to explain all I needed to know and checked to make sure my tear was healing nicely.