Many thanks Hotstepper. Please are there any specific quotes (prices) and/or websites to find them just so I’m well prepared before I get in?

Any info will be greatly appreciated..

[quote author=Hotstepper post=79683431]
They are available but on the high side so be prepared

Hi everyone,
Please i’m hoping to get any useful information on nannies. I’m hoping to get a live in nanny to help out while I’m out there. I’ll be there for about 2months and I’m looking to stay somewhere in Ontario.

Please I’ll appreciate any help I can get.

@hotstepper I believe you reside in Canada, please assist.

Many thanks

It is a must! As for why it’s required, I don’t know but my friend who’s a Canadian citizen had to do that for her daughter too so it’s not just for non-residents. It’s required for all newborn passports. Hotstepper might be able to provide the why.

hajidel:
For the bolded is that a must? Or why is that required if I may?

Hey Dserious, hope you got back OK!

Thanks for expatiating more on the passport form. I actually printed mine so if you have access to a printer you could do that too.

dserious:
Hello all......hotstepper, Geeagu....i see u

Wow, its a pity Dr. Ayodele has stopped taking cash patients, Dr Seido stopped sometime last year. Brampton people can try Dr Nayla Khan of Brampton Civic. She's in the same building with Dr Ayodele. As at last month she was still taking cash patients, i hope she still does. Her fee is 3500cad for either Vaginal or C-section delivery; inclusive of epidural. Her number is 9054979002 so just call, although you would need to get a referral from any family doctor or walk-in clinic before she registers you.

I have received a couple dms about baby document processing and promised to answer on the forum for the benefit of all. Geeagu has provided detailed info but i will expatiate on the canadian passport application:
- Pick up a hard copy application from any shopper's drugmart store attached to a post office - the form is free so take 2 copies just incase you make a mistake
- You would need some information on the the long birth cert and hospital discharge report to fill the application form
- The other information required are mostly you and hubby's personal information. If hubby is not with you, provide his info on the form but don't sign on his behalf. He will need to visit a Canadian embassy to sign.
- 2 passport photo of baby - please ask to ensure the photographer is aware of the Canada passport requirement before taking the photo. I paid 12cad for ordinary passport photo
- You would need a canadian citizen to sign as a guarantor on the application form, the guarantor will provide citizenship number. He will also need to sign on baby's photo
- Google to find out the nearest passport application center to you. Just walk in (no need to book appointments or anything) and submit your application
- If hubby is not with you, they will give you the information he requires to sign at the Canadian embassy
- I also did the express application and it costs 107cad, my pick up was in 4days cos my travel date was close

Good luck to everyone

Hi Hotstepper,

I’m obviously not familiar with that axis so didn’t notice the Humber River Hospital but the address is on Finch Avenue so could be him. He’s Dr Nadel.

Hotstepper:

well done. is thr jewish dr at almost Jane and Finch intersection, beside the old Humber River Hospital?

Im quite surprised too but Nigerians don’t help. Just this past Feb, he complained that he delivered someone's baby via CS and before they left for hospital he asked the lady if she has paid and she said yes. He’s done delivery and returned to his clinic just to be called by hospital that the lady is yet to pay.

Just spoiling ground for well meaning people. Like hotstepper said, if you want abroad baby, have the abroad money.

For Dr Kayode, walking in to find info is better than phoning well in my case it was. All the info I was asking via phone was so easy to obtain when I walked in.

Wish you all the best

Hotstepper:

Wow! ur bro stays in London Ontario and you want to have a baby in Brampton. ah plz oo no try am .

Let your brother find a dr in London ontario or eveb get inside nd he will take u to u to his family dr who will refer u to a gynea.

Note to all,make sure u have more thab enough money if u r going abroad to have a baby .

I am so surprised dr ayodele has stopped ..wow

Oh I forgot to add the paediatrician visit for baby to be checked after 48hrs and his circumcision.

I went after 72hrs though. They just check baby’s weight and all.
I googled walk in clinics near me and used the closest one. It was $50 which I think it’s the standard. During this visit, vitamin D was prescribed as baby is exclusively breastfed and they don’t get a lot of vitamin D and seeing as we’re not in Nigeria for better sun to help us, I took the vitamin D supplement as recommended.

I’m aware that some people might not see the usefulness in this visit but as a first time Mum, some of my concerns were addressed at this visit and I’d recommend it to FTMs.

Dr asked us to come back after a week to just make sure baby had regained his birth weight and all. That’s an extra $50. To be honest, if not that my friend really really thought it was a good idea and even offered to pay lol, hubby and I would have just used a scale at home to weigh baby the old fashioned way. Again, use your discretion and or mother’s instinct.

Circumcision
Cost: $150
Dr used is a Jewish dr based in Toronto. He was recommended by a friend who had used him twice and had no issues. I did mine at day 5 and he did a fantastic job. No pain or discomfort afterwards and it all healed up after day 2. Let me just also add that it’s very pretty �


Sorry for long sermon

Geeagu:
Hello everyone,
So as promised, here’s an update on my general experience.

POE experience : scroll to previous post below this one.

Dr: Dr Kayode Ayodele (his clinic is at Brampton, almost opposite/adjacent to the Brampton Civic Hospital)
Fee: $3,500 (this includes all antenatal visits, dr’s fees, paediatrician fee (this is who checks the baby at the hospital before you get discharged), anesthesiologist (so this covers epidural should you need it and in case of CS as well), 1 postpartum visit at 6 weeks for those who would be here at that time. I wouldn’t and I intend to visit him shortly before I leave for a quick checkup. He may or may not agree to this but that’s my plan).


Lab work:
I would advise that you find out exactly what tests your dr would need you to do and sort the ones you can sort in your country of residence especially if they are free over there like in my case.

I ended up paying about $55 for the 2 tests I did (Rubella and GBS). Unfortunately UK doesn’t offer these tests else I would have paid nothing.

Bear in mind that you are not obliged to use one particular lab. I did my research and I found out that Dynacare was cheaper than Lifelab so I went for them instead.

Hospital: Brampton Civic Hospital
Fee: $2000 per day for Mum and $600 per day for child. For vaginal birth which was what I had, you get discharged within 24hrs which means you’ll only have to pay $2,600 for mother and child. If it’s CS, the minimum stay is 48hrs which should be $5,200 for mother and child.

For me, I had a post delivery ultrascan because my placenta was manually removed and dr wanted to be sure that she got everything out ok. I forgot to ask if the money I paid already covers this but she didn’t also ask. So far (15days pp) I’ve not got any bills via post. If I do, I’ll come back and update.

So even though you’re signed up with Dr Kayode (in my case), if you went into labour when he’s not on duty, that means another dr would be assigned to you for delivery. The dr that delivered my baby (Dr Sahi) was absolutely brilliant.

Please note that hospital fee is for delivery without complications.

Birth registration (long birth certificate) and birth certificate (short birth certificate)

Fee: $60 ($35 and $25 respectively)
Paid online via Service Ontario website (www.serviceontario.ca). It’s the 4-in-1 bundle but do not tick the SIN and health card options as they do not apply to you if you’re not a permanent resident in Canada.
Be sure that all your details are correct before submitting. When we received our son’s certificate, we realised there was a mistake on dad’s dob, this means we had to call service Ontario and get them to send us a form for correction. This form cannot be obtained online, you have to call them and get them to send it to you, then you complete it, send the incorrect ones with the form back and they then send you the correct version (we’re still waiting to receive this form, I’ll update on how long it took to sort it all out).
The original one took 5 working days (applied on Tuesday, got the birth certificates Wednesday the following week).

Passport:
Even though the long birth certificate had error, we still took it along with dad’s passport. We explained the situation and luckily they agreed to still process the passport after verifying dob on dad’s passport.

Fee: $57, expedited for 5 working days for extra $50 so total paid: $107
So we applied Thursday (22/03), we’ll pick up Thursday (29/03).

Without expediting the process, the handler mentioned that the earliest pick up time would have been 9th April ie 10 working days considering the bank holidays for Easter. So not too bad although this depends on backlog etc. If not that I’d be leaving before then, I would explore that option and save my $50 to be honest.

I did ask option for next day pick up and the handler said I didn’t qualify for that option because my travel date wasn’t within 48hrs of applying. There’s an option for date of travel on the form, if you want 24hrs pick up, you should ensure this date is within 48hrs from when you apply. I didn’t ask for the cost, I’m guessing it’ll be more than the extra $50 for 5-10 business day expedited service.

I applied in person in Mississauga where I stayed so pick up will be there too. I hear you’ll have to pick up from Mississauga anyway if you applied in Brampton.

Accommodation was free for me. Transport was subsidised in the sense that my friend or her mom would take me for appointment or anything when they are available.

The few times I took uber for my antenatal it was approximately $70 round trip. I came in at 35weeks, so assuming I never got help from my friend, the minimum I’d be paying for uber would have been $350. If you drive, you may want to consider renting a car. When my hubby arrived, we rented for about 8 days and it didn’t cost an arm and a leg considering the convenience.

In summary:
Dr fee: $3,500
Hospital: $2,600
Lab: $55
Birth certificate: $60
Passport: $107
Total: $6,262

Accommodation, feeding and transport will vary depending on where you decide to go as per city and if you have any help with any of them.

Good luck to all expecting mums and dads. God bless you all!

PS - all amount are in Canadian dollars.

For me, I think 2hrs is far especially as you don’t know what time the baby may decide to come. If it comes during rush hour for example, you may exceed 2hrs. If you have false labour and get sent back nko? Except your brother is happy to drive you for antenatal but that’s minimum of 4hrs just for a 10mins max antenatal appointment. Not worth it in my opinion. But if your brother is willing and you don’t mind, fair enough. Still I’ll say to find a hotel or Airbnb closer to EDD to save yourself that extra stress cos contractions are enough stress on their own.

No cheaper options where your brother lives?

Eilenora:
So i just learnt that Victoria dsnt embrace birth tourism.

@hotstepper is it safe to use brampton and Dr Abou/Ayodele? Both hospital and gynae are 2 hours from my brother's place.

Also does dr Abou still accept international patients? I saw his number in previous threads but not sure i have seen Dr. Ayodele's nos. Can u pls help out with this?

Hello everyone,
So as promised, here’s an update on my general experience.

POE experience : scroll to previous post below this one.

Dr: Dr Kayode Ayodele (his clinic is at Brampton, almost opposite/adjacent to the Brampton Civic Hospital)
Fee: $3,500 (this includes all antenatal visits, dr’s fees, paediatrician fee (this is who checks the baby at the hospital before you get discharged), anesthesiologist (so this covers epidural should you need it and in case of CS as well), 1 postpartum visit at 6 weeks for those who would be here at that time. I wouldn’t and I intend to visit him shortly before I leave for a quick checkup. He may or may not agree to this but that’s my plan).


Lab work:
I would advise that you find out exactly what tests your dr would need you to do and sort the ones you can sort in your country of residence especially if they are free over there like in my case.

I ended up paying about $55 for the 2 tests I did (Rubella and GBS). Unfortunately UK doesn’t offer these tests else I would have paid nothing.

Bear in mind that you are not obliged to use one particular lab. I did my research and I found out that Dynacare was cheaper than Lifelab so I went for them instead.

Hospital: Brampton Civic Hospital
Fee: $2000 per day for Mum and $600 per day for child. For vaginal birth which was what I had, you get discharged within 24hrs which means you’ll only have to pay $2,600 for mother and child. If it’s CS, the minimum stay is 48hrs which should be $5,200 for mother and child.

For me, I had a post delivery ultrascan because my placenta was manually removed and dr wanted to be sure that she got everything out ok. I forgot to ask if the money I paid already covers this but she didn’t also ask. So far (15days pp) I’ve not got any bills via post. If I do, I’ll come back and update.

So even though you’re signed up with Dr Kayode (in my case), if you went into labour when he’s not on duty, that means another dr would be assigned to you for delivery. The dr that delivered my baby (Dr Sahi) was absolutely brilliant.

Please note that hospital fee is for delivery without complications.

Birth registration (long birth certificate) and birth certificate (short birth certificate)

Fee: $60 ($35 and $25 respectively)
Paid online via Service Ontario website (www.serviceontario.ca). It’s the 4-in-1 bundle but do not tick the SIN and health card options as they do not apply to you if you’re not a permanent resident in Canada.
Be sure that all your details are correct before submitting. When we received our son’s certificate, we realised there was a mistake on dad’s dob, this means we had to call service Ontario and get them to send us a form for correction. This form cannot be obtained online, you have to call them and get them to send it to you, then you complete it, send the incorrect ones with the form back and they then send you the correct version (we’re still waiting to receive this form, I’ll update on how long it took to sort it all out).
The original one took 5 working days (applied on Tuesday, got the birth certificates Wednesday the following week).

Passport:
Even though the long birth certificate had error, we still took it along with dad’s passport. We explained the situation and luckily they agreed to still process the passport after verifying dob on dad’s passport.

Fee: $57, expedited for 5 working days for extra $50 so total paid: $107
So we applied Thursday (22/03), we’ll pick up Thursday (29/03).

Without expediting the process, the handler mentioned that the earliest pick up time would have been 9th April ie 10 working days considering the bank holidays for Easter. So not too bad although this depends on backlog etc. If not that I’d be leaving before then, I would explore that option and save my $50 to be honest.

I did ask option for next day pick up and the handler said I didn’t qualify for that option because my travel date wasn’t within 48hrs of applying. There’s an option for date of travel on the form, if you want 24hrs pick up, you should ensure this date is within 48hrs from when you apply. I didn’t ask for the cost, I’m guessing it’ll be more than the extra $50 for 5-10 business day expedited service.

I applied in person in Mississauga where I stayed so pick up will be there too. I hear you’ll have to pick up from Mississauga anyway if you applied in Brampton.

Accommodation was free for me. Transport was subsidised in the sense that my friend or her mom would take me for appointment or anything when they are available.

The few times I took uber for my antenatal it was approximately $70 round trip. I came in at 35weeks, so assuming I never got help from my friend, the minimum I’d be paying for uber would have been $350. If you drive, you may want to consider renting a car. When my hubby arrived, we rented for about 8 days and it didn’t cost an arm and a leg considering the convenience.

In summary:
Dr fee: $3,500
Hospital: $2,600
Lab: $55
Birth certificate: $60
Passport: $107
Total: $6,262

Accommodation, feeding and transport will vary depending on where you decide to go as per city and if you have any help with any of them.

Good luck to all expecting mums and dads. God bless you all!

PS - all amount are in Canadian dollars.

Geeagu:
Hi Dserious,

They are yet to get back to me on actual cost of deposit to make but Dr Kayode said it wouldn’t be a problem. From their website, deposit should be 7,800 for 3 nights for both mother and child. But I’m waiting to hear back from the secretary though about the hospital’s decision and way forward.

I’m in Mississauga and it’s close to Brampton, I’m careful not to get a hospital that’s too far off just in case labour starts at odd hours.

I didn’t see your dm, perhaps just send me an email (chinyereagu@gmail.com). We can rub minds.

For POE, it might depend on what airport you arrive. There are automated process in place in Toronto where I landed but I still got asked questions especially why I want to birth in Canada and not UK which is my usual place of residence. The first POE officer said UK has fantastic healthcare which is true so it’s a bit different from how healthcare in Nigeria is perceived. So I had to defend my decision to give birth here which was not necessarily easy. I was even passed onto another officer (the point where deportation happen) but I was too hot and tired to even be afraid and also cos I was aware I wasn’t doing anything illegal. I emphasised the fact that I have a good paying job and a husband to go back to in England and that I already contacted their colleagues in England who guaranteed me that it wasn’t illegal, that all I needed was show that I can cover my bills although ultimate decision lies on the POE officer.

In terms of food, I didn’t bring any so can’t really comment. I’m staying with a friend so accommodation and feeding are not issues.


Meanwhile, I’ll say to confirm all the tests they need you to do and do them before you come especially if you can save cost (for me all my tests are free where I reside so it definitely would save me extra cost). It’ll also save you the stress of looking for and attending lab (not much of a hassle but again anything to avoid additional stress right?).

I hope someone finds this information useful.

Thanks

mailto:lagos.immigration@international.gc.ca

This information is readily available online and even within this thread. Read through the thread, a lot of useful information.

All the best �

manlikegb:



@Geeagu, thanks for your response. Its quite helpful.

Please, does anyone in the house know the email address of the Canadian Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria? I'm thinking to write to them as well and have the correspondence handy.

Hi Manlikegb,

1. My visa was obtained in 2015 for visit which I already used same year to attend my friend’s wedding. When I decided to give birth here this year, I emailed the Canadian consulate in UK to ask if I could use the visa for birthing and they said yes but mentioned that the POE officer has the ultimate decision to either let me into Canada or not.

2. No they didn’t make any reference to that.

3. I think the fact that I was honest and I had the correspondence. I had a budget sheet as well that I listed the estimated amount + contingency as someone here advised me to so transparency is key.
The asked other questions to ensure I’d be returning after delivery eg my job title, if my company agreed to give me 2 months (so I mentioned that I’m entitled to 52 weeks maternity). They asked if my husband was coming and I said that’s the plan but only if his job permits him.

In honesty I didn’t fidget a bit but I can’t tell if any of these mattered or influenced their decision to let me in. They asked how much I have but they never asked to see it��‍♀️��‍♀️


Sorry if I’ve not been able to directly answer your questions.

manlikegb:


@Geeagu, thanks for sharing your experience. I'd like to ask a few questions..
1. Did u get your visa for tourism or did you mention childbirth in your application?
2. Did they make any reference to your visa application on whether you mentioned childbirth intentions when you applied for the visa?
3. I know the CBP officer allowed you in eventually, but what can you deduce from all the questioning and what convinced them to allow you entry?

Thanks for your time.

Hi Dserious,

They are yet to get back to me on actual cost of deposit to make but Dr Kayode said it wouldn’t be a problem. From their website, deposit should be 7,800 for 3 nights for both mother and child. But I’m waiting to hear back from the secretary though about the hospital’s decision and way forward.

I’m in Mississauga and it’s close to Brampton, I’m careful not to get a hospital that’s too far off just in case labour starts at odd hours.

I didn’t see your dm, perhaps just send me an email (chinyereagu@gmail.com). We can rub minds.

For POE, it might depend on what airport you arrive. There are automated process in place in Toronto where I landed but I still got asked questions especially why I want to birth in Canada and not UK which is my usual place of residence. The first POE officer said UK has fantastic healthcare which is true so it’s a bit different from how healthcare in Nigeria is perceived. So I had to defend my decision to give birth here which was not necessarily easy. I was even passed onto another officer (the point where deportation happen) but I was too hot and tired to even be afraid and also cos I was aware I wasn’t doing anything illegal. I emphasised the fact that I have a good paying job and a husband to go back to in England and that I already contacted their colleagues in England who guaranteed me that it wasn’t illegal, that all I needed was show that I can cover my bills although ultimate decision lies on the POE officer.

In terms of food, I didn’t bring any so can’t really comment. I’m staying with a friend so accommodation and feeding are not issues.


Meanwhile, I’ll say to confirm all the tests they need you to do and do them before you come especially if you can save cost (for me all my tests are free where I reside so it definitely would save me extra cost). It’ll also save you the stress of looking for and attending lab (not much of a hassle but again anything to avoid additional stress right?).

I hope someone finds this information useful.

dserious:
Happy to see some life on this thread since my last login...

Thanks Dazzing....very detailed and informative guide.

Madam Geeagu, wow I was also at Ayodeles yesterday....im just reading this thread now, would have looked out for you....we may have even seen sef....ill dm you let's plan together

This brampton civic new law ogaaa ooo, after paying Ayodele 3500cad, they expect someone to just deposit another 9000cad just like that....although they said they will refund any balances....lets see how it goes..

Anyone with better alternative around that area, pls let's know. I got a good doc at 1600cad using orangeville, but orangeville hospital cost is 4500 per night for mother and baby and extra 1500cad per surgery hour for ceasaerian birth...completely insane....

For all intending sojourners, oshawa is the way to go o... cheaper accomodation, cheaper doctors fees.

My poe was really smooth as most processes at the airport are now automated, there's little interactions with cpd officers....the q&a session with cpd is now done on a computer, you just type in your answers to questions...even secondary food inspection is automated, foods are scanned before pick up....(tip)...bring in as much food as possible, they don't reject food anymore....i hear they are trying to embrace the multi-ethnicity they preach....i dint know this before coming so I just brought few food items.....e pain me o

Thanks Shynzee for the update. I appreciate




[quote author=shynzee post=65029509][/quote]

@Dazzing your reply is very detailed. I’m very grateful. I’ll take on board all you’ve advised. No I’m actually at Mississauga and I don’t think it’s close to Allison but I’ll ask my friend. I think I may just stick with Dr Kayode, my appointment with him is tomorrow but I’ll see.

God bless you and the little one.

Meanwhile for others who might find this useful: I hear Brampton Civic just brought up a new policy last week that might mean you’ll have to deposit certain amount of money before you get treated. The gist is some Nigerian or some people use the hospital and disappear.

dazzing:
Hello I will try to respond to all your questions as best as I can:

- Stevenson registration of $500, did you get a refund - NO I didn’t, I didn’t even ask for one, from the hospital or the doctor whom I initially met. The relative I stayed with advised me not to pursue any refunds that things happened as God wanted it. And I don’t think they would have given me a refund since I still visited there a few times for my ANC. This fee also means I am registered with them anytime, so I doubt a refund applies.
- Brampton Civic, I’m guessing you just showed up and doctor on duty attended to you and you were billed whatever it cost for that doctor? - YES this is exactly what happened. I called my original doctor when I was in pain and he told me to go to the nearest hospital, I thought it was false labour because we were expecting the baby later, but as God will have it, everything happened so fast.
- Was it a hassle to sort out registration amidst your labour? No I was with a relative who did this for me, I was in too much pain to even know all of these was going on.
Did you have to pay all before you were attended to? No, once I registered I was attended to, then they informed us of the costs and we said we could pay. We paid after the delivery but I think my relative went to withdraw cash before the actual delivery started. Sorry but my memory of this is unclear, remember I was in labour. I do know that actual giving money to attendings and receipts was after my baby was out sha. I don’t think it would have been ethical for them to refuse me care until I paid, I don’t think they can do that in civilized countries.
- Doctor’s fee was 2,350: did this cover all your antenatal visits prior to delivery? YES, remember this is total doctor’s fees spent, I ended up using two doctors
- How far long were you when you made your first doctor’s visit? End of seven months/beginning of eight thereabouts
Would you mind sharing your doctor’s info here? Are you located near Alliston? This doctor is based in Alliston, which is very far from Brampton, one hour
- Any particular reason why you didn’t use Dr Kayode? I wanted to but my relative’s friends told me not to, but if it’s only me, I probably would have. He was initially the most affordable option when I did my initial check.
- I’m currently considering using it but his fee is 3,500 so I wouldn’t mind any cheaper rate really: My initial guy is no cheaper, especially if you include his epidura which he said is from 300 - 900 (note kayode's fee includes epidura). And I m not evn sure what his doctors fees is as I never ended up using him till the very end. It was one conversation that I got to a point were I had to ask my relative to continue that line of discussion with him.
- Lifelab: what tests exactly did you have to do? Several, similar to what others have mentioned in the previous forum like HIV, HEPTATIS, blood work, rubella, I think that’s a standard.
Did you need a scan too? Sorry I forgot that, I came with my scan results from Nigeria, but the doctor still did regular scanning during ANC (he didn’t charge me for that, he just used his machine to check the baby was okay). Cost of scan in Canada is however also above CAD 100 (sorry I can’t recall exact costs)
- documentation: how long did it take to finally get baby’s long and short birth certificates since there’s no expedited services for newborns? [/b]Good question. Five working days, but for me I checked my PO box late so it took me like nine days. You know what I did which was very helpful and I ‘d advise you do same too is, to call them and ask on the status of your application and tell them how urgent it is, because without the certificate you can’t apply for other documents.
[b]How long after delivery did you apply for them? I wouldn’t advise you follow my method because I had over a month to stay after delivery. I will say the next day after you come out of the hospital go online and apply. You can probably get it in 4 business days if you do this.
- when you say book a hospital that is close to the house, what’s your definition of close, 30mins? YES 30 mins is my definition of close

Hi @dazzing, thank you so much for this detailed briefing of your experience.

I’m currently in Canada and awaiting the arrival of my bundle of joy; so your post is indeed timely.

I just wanted some clarifications on your tips / expenses below:

- Stevenson registration of $500, did you get a refund since you didnt end up using them as earlier anticipated?
- Brampton Civic, I’m guessing you just showed up and doctor on duty attended to you and you were billed whatever it cost for that doctor? Or was it the doctor you were supposed to originally use at Stevenson that still attended to you?Was it a hassle to sort out registration amidst your labour? Did you have to pay all before you wete attended to?
- Doctor’s fee was 2,350: did this cover all your antenatal visits prior to delivery? How far long were you when you made your first doctor’s visit? Would you mind sharing your doctor’s info here?
- Any particular reason why you didn’t use Dr Kayode? I’m currently considering using it but his fee is 3,500 so I wouldn’t mind any cheaper rate really.
- Lifelab: what tests exactly did you have to do? Did you need a scan too? If yes, was this covered in the 150 you mentioned earlier?
- documentation: how long did it take to finally get baby’s long and short birth certificates since there’s no expedited services for newborns? How long after delivery did you apply for them? I’m asking because I currently wish to return to base 3 weeks after delivery but I also want to know how realistic this plan is please.
- when you say book a hospital that is close to the house, what’s your definition of close, 30mins? You see I come from England and everywhere is close to everywhere but I know this is not a yardstick in Canada so a little clarification will be helpful. My friend thinks 30 - 45mins is close though�


Apologies for long questions, I just want be sure I’m making an informed decision. Thank you.

I’ll return with my experience when I’ve gathered them all

dazzing:
Dear forum contributors, thank you for sharing all your experiences. I have been a silent follower of this thread since July 2017, and I benefited greatly from the forum. I would like to share my own experience so others can benefit and particularly shed some light on areas that may not have been adequately covered in the forum.

First thing is that I read the entire forum discussion from page one until the fifties. I got my visa some years back, I was given till the end of my passport. I have been to Canada before, therefore when I went for birthing it wasn’t my first time in the country. I had an interesting experience as the hospital I registered and went for ANC is not the same hospital I delivered at, as my labour came unexpected in late night. There was a mild snow storm (December weather so expected) so we couldn’t drive to far to my original hospital, I went to the hospital closest to me which was the famous Brampton civic hospital. My original plan was Stevenson memorial in Alliston.

TIP 1: register in a hospital close to your house as anything can happen.

I rang the doctors whose details was shared on this forum and true to what has been mentioned, both Dr Grace and Dr Abou, said they do not take non-OHIP patients anymore. Dr Kayode still does, but I didn’t use him. I also rang the Amma mid-wives services and their fees is CAD 4600. This excludes the hospital fees if you do decide to have a hospital delivery, also I opted not to use them. Below is break down of my expenses:

Epidura – CAD 500
Doctor fees – CAD 2,350 (this is a combo of the doctor fees who did my check ups and the delivery fees on the day)
Hospital fees – Brampton 2600 (i.e. 200 registration, 400 baby, 2000 my hospital day fee) Stevenson 500 (registration fees for non-resident)
Baby check-up CAD 300 – (i.e. 50 for baby doctor fees after delivery, 200 full baby check-up at mother and child clinic, 50 for walk in centre baby check-up a few days after)
Total for the above medical is 6250

Other expenses include several uber trips. I was with a relative so my costs on that was covered I also had a friend who gave me some free ride when opportune, but we did have a CAD 450 bill for uber hospital visit just as an illustration of that particular expense.
Lifelab – CAD 107, tests for myself
TIP: Please do not do any ‘out of your way’ tests in Nigeria, cause it’s so expensive as rubella alone labs in Abuja were telling me between 35 and 45,000 naira.

Documents
Long and short certificate – CAD 35 & 25 respectively
Intl Canada passport – CAD 107 (hubby did go to Abuja consulate to sign a form)
Nigeria ETC – CAD 137 (includes my express post and return envelope cost). I got good service with them; I rang a few times to tell them it was real urgent as I applied for all my documents two weeks before my departure date. It took them two days to process and post back.

TIP 2: Clarification on applying long and short certificate on line.
I wish someone had told me that on the website I should just go ahead and fill out the form and pay the fees as there is no option for payment for expedited service for a new-born. I almost made an error and wasted money, but thankfully that was averted.
Pretty much what every other person has shared is the standard process for birthing in Brampton. I’ll say additional CAD 1000 for other expenses including documentation. It could be more for others, please note I stayed at a relative (so no cost for rent, feeding and Wi-Fi) and I had my phone line, so cost of that CAD 35 x four months (internet on this package was weak so you may have to get a more expensive option if you need solid internet for when you outside). Canada phone set cost CAD 80.

TIP 3: a phone line makes your ‘ubering’ experience easier.
Sorry this post is getting too long, I just wanted to put in as much as I could. I spent almost four months, and I just returned this early February. Also baby won’t get health card, expect resident in country for over 150 days. Best of Luck to other expectant mothers.

Thank you very much @dserious. I never thought of the birthing budget plan even though I already have one. I’ll add that to my list of things to present then.

I wish you the best in this journey and beyond!

dserious:
Thanks Olalacious.....please anyone that can help with accommodation in Brampton area should kindly dm me. I'm looking for a one bedroom apartment; i'm also willing to share two/three bed with other mommas. The ones I have found so far are too expensive.

@Geeagu, let me attempt to respond to your question based on readings from the thread.....I think the onus is on you to convince the CBP officer that the money you have on you would be sufficient for the trip. You can explain to them that you have contacted several doctors and have made up your mind to use Dr XYZ, stating the fees for his service and the hospital costs (you can actually get this info by calling doctors office). Since most of the doctors don't send emails, be sure to have the name, address and phone number of the doctor you would be using. If you have already secured an appointment with the doctor, it makes it better - just tell them that.

Another very useful info I got from Nairaland is the budget sheet, I believe it helped in securing my visas; I also plan to use it at POE. Draw up a well written budget sheet with proof of funds/cash or card, I believe that would be sufficient.

I don't know if it will make any difference coming from the UK cos that our green passport never helps. I suggest you use a purely UK airline not Virgin and BA as they usually have a good number of Nigerians connecting from Lagos.

All the best and God help us.....

Please can anyone be kind enough to respond to my query? @Hotstepper @Thespecialist or anyone who can help.

Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Geeagu:
Hi I’ve read through the pages and I just have a few questions if anyone could help please?

- at point of entry, would one need to show any proof of communication with Dr to at least show expected cost of delivery and all?
In my head I’m thinking even if I had 1M dollars, how would the officer know that’s sufficient. Sorry if I’m being thick, just trying to avoid any embarrassment. The Dr says I don’t need communication from him but any advice from an experienced person will be very much appreciated.

Not sure if it’d make any difference but I’d be coming from England.

Thanks to everyone who’s been actively helping us all out. God bless x

Hi I’ve read through the pages and I just have a few questions if anyone could help please?

- at point of entry, would one need to show any proof of communication with Dr to at least show expected cost of delivery and all?
In my head I’m thinking even if I had 1M dollars, how would the officer know that’s sufficient. Sorry if I’m being thick, just trying to avoid any embarrassment. The Dr says I don’t need communication from him but any advice from an experienced person will be very much appreciated.

Not sure if it’d make any difference but I’d be coming from England.

Thanks to everyone who’s been actively helping us all out. God bless x