Thank God you were released after all the interrogations.

gurlnext2u:
Hello everyone! I just want to share my houston POE experience. I was delayed for 5 hours, it was very frustrating. The CBP officers kept attending to
US citizens including those that came hours after me. They claimed they were the VIP and the rest of us were not to priority. I don't blame them sha, it's their country. The first CBP I met sent me for secondary inspection immediately I told him my purpose of visit was to give birth. I got my B2 visa solely for this purpose 2 weeks ago. After what seemed like eternity, I was finally called.

CBP: hello, how are you?
Me: tired, very tired.
CBP: So you're here to give birth?
Me: yes
CBP: why did you choose el paso? have you been there before?
Me: No i haven't been there before. Did research on hospitals, blah blah, blah, found DR N and decided to contact him.
CBP: what do you do?
Me: Medical Dr
CBP: how much do you earn monthly?
Me: x amount
CBP: started residency training?
Me: NO
CBP: what about your husband? did he come with you? what does he do
Me: Bleep
CBP:how much does he earn? what is the cumulative amount from the both of you.
Me: hubby earns x amount with is about 10 times my salary, he is the one sponsoring the trip
CBP: Any letter from the hospital or DR
Me: yes, *hands over letters*
CBP: how much do you have with you?
Me: $9000, plus some pounds
CBP: Any credit or debit cards?
Me: yes
CBP: what's the daily withdrawal limit
Me: $300
CBP: please come with me so i can see the money you have
we went into another room, where himself and another officer counted the money, then we went back to the counter
CBP: whats your budget for the entire trip?
Me: $15k
CBP: so the cash on you is for what aspect of your budget? Any pre-payment done to the hospital or DR?
Me: Cash is for hospital bills and transportation, flight has been paid for, accommodation, feeding, miscellaneous will be paid with my credit cards.
CBP: Ok. Please collect receipt of payment so when you come next time, you show it to us
Me: ok
CBP: When are you due?
Me: end of september
CBP: congratulations!
he stamps me in for 6 months
I missed my connecting flight but luckily there was another flight available.
please i also noticed there was a mistake on the date he wrote, he wrote february 2016 instead of february 2017. I noticed the mistake as I arrived el paso.Please gurus in the house is there any thing I can do? It was a long and tiring trip, but in all I thank God.

Thank God that it ended well, blueberry and abig welcome to the LO. Am i nt in for a long ride bayii? Dr. F and Methodist Sugarland. How do i cross dis hurdle i ve put myself? Did i see my alternative doc's name again in dis scenario - Dr. D Ziw.

blueberryy:
Hello everyone, I had my baby a month ago at
Methodist Sugarland and my dr was dr Robertson ( (she is with dr F). At 40.2 weeks I was feeling so much pressure so I called the dr who said I should go to the hospital, at the hospital the dr called the nurses to observe me for 2hrs( I was biled$1870 for that and also $175 to read the ultrasound that was done) after the 2 hr observation I was sent home that there was no patterned contraction.

The next day the pressure increased and I had to go back to the hospital the nurses checked me and I was admitted at 3cm dilation, the next morning dr dama came to break my water and by noon at 6cm dilation a dr Nixon came and insisted on me taking pitocin and I said no at 2pm she insisted on the pitocin n I took it less than 2 mins after she came in to say the baby's heart beat has dropped and she needed to perform a cs. The baby was delivered at 2:22pm.
In all of these my dr never called me once, she made me incur extra $1870 without any justification. I think dr F and his team are too busy and we all need to find alternatives. I incurred unnecessary cost just because they are new to methodist and they don't know how things work there. Please, if you are using methodist Sugarland try and pre register, ask questions about other associated cost and do not go there if you are not in Labour. Based on my recent experience I will not be using dr F's team for my next missionary journey.

1sttymmum has further confused me bayii. Window and aisle sleep or pee I didnt see option for premium economy on emirates o, next is biz class, how do i get d middle class btw economy and biz class? thanks

firsttymum:

Window because u can sleep better
Aisle because u have to pee
Kikikikikikikikiki

Premium economy those seats without seats in front of them. U can do window seat and have plenty room to stretch ur leg and even get anyhow u like to pee... So win win

So my NL People, i waka small today on this PTA fact-findings. I opened a Stanbic account today and was told that my account has to be active for 2 months b4 one can apply for PTA and application has to be made 2 weeks to travel date i.e. u must ve travelling in minimum of 2 months and 2 weeks from today. I sha opened like dat even though i ve 2 months and few days, we'll cross that hurdle wen we get there.

For Access, na so i went there also to 'resurrect' my old NYSC acc and they confirmed the acc isnt even dormant just to update my records and do change of name and start funding it. I was told i can apply for PTA 'some' weeks to my travel date and they dot give cash but travel card or so.

Long and short story, my PTA hustling is in motion. So pls tell me which bank again i need to go because this my useless GTB wont come to my aid.

Thanks Feddy

feddy27:


aisle seat so you have easy access to the loo any time

Pls ma, forgive us and let us benefit from ur wealth of knowledge, abeg. [quote author=firsttymum post=48360698]

Hello my people, anyone with recent Houston POE experience should pls share with us? I also want to hear from those who had flown with Emirates to IAH, dat seem to be DH's preference, should i reserve d window or aisle seat as a preggy? Pls ooooo, just want to prepare for all ni, ejoo emabinu.

On my change of doc, I am having a 2nd thot, dont want wahala at POE abeg. I think i'll stick wit my Dr. F's correspondence and get to town 1st. abi?

Pls, which bank is giving only $1000? cos i understand StanbicIBTC still gives 4k per quarter when applied within 2 weeks from ur date of trip.

Chanbaby:
Good morning my people,
God bless all the mama's and papa's that has been helping people tremendously. Only God will replenish ur pockets and pay u for ur time. pls, I will like to know if u can collect PTA from more than one bank for one trip. Since, they now give only $1000.

Its fear o, so that the military wont plan another coup d day i am there. Let me nt download the whole scenario playing out in my mind. Besides the diff btw TurkishAir and Emirates is abt 70k, I can still manage and be observing a fall in ticket price soon. *praying mode*

Jbzzyy:


Pls what do you think the problem is with Turkishair? I know two pregnant ladies that used them in the past week and it was alright. You might want to reconsider considering you can get for as low as $1150.

Also in the same shoes, pls, return ticket to Houston is from 550k anyone with a cheaper option, minus Turkishair abeg. and when i read thru part 3 over the weekend, saw them complaining abt 300/350k ticket (this was oct/nov/dec 2015), i culdnt help but laugh

FearlessChic:
lol

I am nt an expert in this field and lets not rule any possibility, but IMO, her budget maybe low. My monthly estimate for accommodation is about $1500. It all depends on what you want and wat u can manage with.

Prettymi20:



Ahahahha. Very funny.

Thanks alot. Requires indepth thots.

LadyGuinivere:

Your matter boils down to ties and financial werewithal.
In this economy can you guys show that you can afford the birthing trip plus ticket, feeding, and accomodation for husband, daughter and MIL? What is the purpose of MIL's trip?
Anyways I dunno if una and Dangote dey compete for who hol' pass sha...
Think about it. Self evaluate. And think about what the vo would think after taking into consideration evertything about your family circUmstance. In truth, only you can answer the question you asked

Happy sunday my NL people. Pls i need ur thots on my issue. I ve a b2 visa and had d intention of applying for a b1/b2 visa for hubby and daughter but want their interview to be after u ve gone, their max stay shld be for abt 3 weeks to witness d birth of baby. On a 2nd thot, we re considering whether MIL shld also apply and come along while my hubby will return in 3 weeks. Do u think dey'll ve better chances if all 3 of them apply together? Shld d interview be after i ve left? Hope it wont appear like my whole kindred is migrating to d US? pls weigh in on my predicament pls. Thanks alot.

This one pass me o but IMO present both naija and uk accounts to show that you are financially capable to cover ur medical expenses. Although it may now throw up more questions from d VO regarding ur strong ties to naija. Pls think thru very well and d various scenarios dat may play out. Wish you favour

iwalewa92:


Thanks Debby. My hubby is going to be my sponsor but he doesn't have much in his a count in nigeria. Is it ok for him to send his account details oversea?

My take on Dr. F, i think we all ve a right to express our fears nd reservations esp when we read abt other's first hand experience and our choice wasnt as a result of laziness or popular demand. In my own case, i got good reviews frm 2 friends who used Dr.F in d last 6 months, b4 i even knew abt dis forum. As such, i contacted Dr. F and filled in his contact in my form ds160. Fast forward, got visa and thereafter started getting nt too good reports abt him. I even came to this forum to ask if there was a consequence for changing one's dr. In summary, i ve changed to Dr. D and its goodnews dat Dr. F didnt take pre-payments.

tyosho:


Thanks for your input firstymum.If anyone has had bad experiences with any doctor,I think they should share it.
You are a doctor yourself so I totally get the angle you are speaking from.Why run away from ineffiency in our system back home only to travel and spend much and still jam inefficiency?
Let's not wait for serious ish to happen before we start opening up

1sttymmum, I saw ur post in part 3 on ordering Sebamed products and got free delivery. i followed their website but the prices wen converted to naira @ N383, can kill someone, i better buy them from here.

Pls, apply now. For your account statement, work towards 6 million, subject to this crazy exchange rate. Pray you are nt asked for your bank statements, if you re sponsoring yourself.

iwalewa92:
Hello people,
I'm about 10 weeks preg and I intend to travel early January as I wud be finishing my exams by then. I understand I have to apply for B1/B2 visa if I want to give birth in the US. How soon can I apply at the embassy and how much should be in my account at the time of application? Pls your responses would be appreciated.
Thanks

Thanks. U know i ve infact started reading part 3 from the beginning again, when you referred me to your Nov post, in preparation for POE, Its actually an eye opener.

firsttymum:

Ok send me a pm...

Thank you all. I have a quote of $55 for the hearing test at Houston Methodist, looking for how to save dollar. Even estimate for Pediatrician is like 450, both in-hosp and post-discharge visits with Dr. B. Pls anyone with an idea of cheaper pediatrician around Houston Methodist? I understand Dr. Amaro is far. @1sttym mum, i ve read part 3 up to 16th Nov, i vent seen ur post o. thanks thanks

feddy27:



Interesting! I've always thought it is compulsory since it is a Texas law.

Anyways, after one mama shared her experience here about hearing disability that was discovered in her newborn, fear catch me o.. I no even think twice when i sign the paper...lol

Firsttymum, so u carry ur pikin run witout doin it? I wee report you

Feddy, 1sttym mum, Lady G, Sugah and everyone, pls help a sister, as per my earlier post.

feddy27:


contribute to this thread first share your transcript, hospital u intend using etc and we shall help

Hello my people again, pls for those who have used Houston Methodist, did you pay for hearing test in the hospital or its free? Also How many routine visit do we have to make to the Pediatrician after discharge and any idea of the cost and clinic? Also, for those who used Dr. D, pls did you take along any test results from naija, cos i understand the doc's fees cover all lab tests and ultra scan. Thanks thanks, just preparing for this my missionary journey.

thank you for the info

sugah:
I think someone mentioned this a few pages back but the people asking for ETC contact missed it.
ETC (as most other things like invitation letter and change of intent letter) has been abused hence the embassy has suspended the issuance to minors. If you are leaving the US in the next couple of weeks your options are either a Nigerian passport, Nigerian Visa or visa on Arrival for your child.

Cc graciie phabulouschy

@adycatus, pls does the cost u listed below includes with or without using an agent?

adycatus:


Visa fee is $180 to innovate 1, $30 to Nig Embassy and $85 for Expidited

Thanks

feddy27:


I did visa last year and it was about $350 or so, can't remember the exact cost. This covers shipping too

Thanks Feddy. any idea of the cost of both? I understand visa is about $365?

feddy27:


ETC is different from the visa; they are both alternative ways of taking your baby back to naija.

For visa, you av to mail the child's passport to the agent in Atlanta while ETC you only send details and dey send the ETC as a sheet of paper to you

Hello Feddy, is ETC the same as obtaining Naija visa on d blue passport for the baby? I am asking cos i am abit confused, especially with the issue going on at the Nija embassy there. Pls, i'll also like to have an idea of the cost of ETC and naija visa. thanks thanks.

feddy27:


She is in Houston and there is no nearby embassy so she definitely needs an agent

Congrats on d arrival of ur angel. I showed my husband ur post to justify my change to Dr. D. Lets hope he agrees, i strongly want to change from Dr. F.

ijeomaobi1:
@ favoredgirl,

48 hours starts counting the minute you check in and by 12 midnight that day, the first 24 hours has gone. That's why people complain of being overcharged by hospital.

Finally Dr F got to me by 10.30 am today and I had my very beautiful baby 12.25 pm.weighs 3.57 kg. So I have forgiven him and hope he changes for the better.

Yippee am a FTM and am so in love with my Angel.

Thank you

nefertitiram:


In yankee, go to any walgreens and ask for 'gummy gummy' chewable prenatals. That was what I used throughout my 1st trimester. I bought them when I was ttc the first time and had a large collection (they were sold at buy 1 get 1 free so I had like 4 jars) They are like candy, at a point I was jst downing it anyhow.

Bt they began to irritate me later in preg cos of the sugar coating. I couldn't stand sugar. If you hate meds, then this should work for you. Even has folic acid and added vitamins.

If your PCV is high, or optimum, you won't need transfusion even for CS (I didnt). Just make sure you eat your spinach, preferably uncooked. Contains as much iron as ugwu

In the same shoes o, medicine nausates me. With this post, I ve entered prayer mode. Pls is d d blood transfusion for cs or normal delivery?

damsel020:


Congrats dear. Fear catch me with this your story ooo, when I had my first baby and was not taking my prenatal Dr F told me something like dis could happen, but thank God all went well. But this one u talk today, fear catch me, though am 7 months gone now, *covers face*today is the first time am taking my prenatals. God help me cos in dis dollar whala I can't afford any extra bill ooo.

Thanks. Pls my pple, any other suggestion on changing doctor?

ijeomaobi1:
Firstymum and feddy27,

Am watching u both with 3D tv. Coded PTA and formA

@hajeebaday,

Yippeee, congratulations darling. I happy for u no be small. Wish na me dey do this testimony!! Well very soon.

@Debby516,

Please stick with Dr F so u have same information all through. I used California in mine and my mother for contact but na Houston we finally land. Hope this helps.

More goodnews to come

Colouredgirl:
Hello Nairalanders..
Have been a silent follower of this thread
I got a big shock/suprise today,went for my interview with my husband
God took the lead,God won for us!
Here is my transcript
Vo:what are u goin to the usa for
Me:childbirth and vacation
Vo:where
Me:houston texas
Vo:hve u travelled befre?
Me:no
Vo:wat do u do?
Me:i jst got married,so for now am not doin anyting
Hubbys turn
Vo:what do u do?
Hubby:i work with d bank*mentions bank***
Vo:how hve u bin working
Hubby:10yrs
Vo:have u travelled before?
Hubby:yes,the uk for my vacation in 2012
Vo:ok,pick up ur visas in 3 days,hands over the white paper
We were shocked,elated..God took chrge for us
..::am houston bound,need co travellers and co expectant mothers..:intend leaving in august...