Mrsdoctor007:


He needs to go online and make an appointment to see the consular. Just go with the details of birth not nessary birth certificate.

Pls wat do you mean by details of birth, what kind of document can serve?

Hello house, pls I need some clarification.
For the notarized form, does DH need to go to U.S embassy in Naija even after meeting a lawyer to sign and stamp the form? Someone asked him to go 2 d embassy with an electronic copy of d baby's BC (saying that was hw he did his own last yr). Some others are saying he shld just get a lawyer to sign and stamp and post it 2 me.
Pls which is correct?

P.S, i'm in Virginia so it will take @ least 2wks to get BC. So we can't wait dat long jst to start d notarization process plus d time it will take to mail it

dupe007:
Thank you. I know about the form but DH still have to include a written one.

Hi @dupe007, pls were you able to get around the consent letter? Can u send me a sample?
goobyparks@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance.

blueblood1:
Hi guys. I plan to accompany my wife to give birth.

If she is applying for a B1/B2 visa class
Which class should I apply for

Thanks guys

Your wife should apply for B2 visa while you apply for B1/B2

drI:


you actually don't need the SSN for the passport. you only need the BC. you did be given a form to sign staying that you've not been given the SSN.

But there is a place in d passport application form that asks for SSN.

Pls house, Is it possible to bring back a baby to Nigeria and then do d baby's US passport in Nigeria. (A woman did this abt 8yrs ago wen custom stamped just one month stay for her.) Dunno if it's still possible now.
In my case I was stamped in for 3months. So I have jst 3/4weeks to process baby's papers. It takes abt 3wks to get BC alone in Virginia nt to talk of passport

shirley013:



Hi.
For you to get the passport immediately you have to go to the passport office in Washington DC once you have the BC & SSN. Else you have to wait.

Thanks Shirley013

olukemiyemi:
Good day people.

I wanted to share my experience has I have gained a lot reading from what other people share on here. This is the second baby I've had in the US. The first was in Virginia, while I stayed in with family in Maryland. Virginia is significantly cheaper depending on your choice but distance was a major challenge for me. This time we decided to do Houston because it was going to be more cost effectve.

I traveled with Turkish airline on May 27th to JFK and spent time with my friends before heading out to Houston. Point of entry was surprisingly easy, I did self check in, printed out a receipt and only thing I was asked was the kind of food I had on me. No questions asked my purpose of visit or my big tummy (I was huge). I was really grateful for that.

I had gone very far with planning for Houston before I noticed in the document one of the doctors sent me that they do not allow VBAC (virginal birth after CS). I found out later that this was a Texas thing, most hospitals will not allow a woman that has had a previous CS try to get birth vaginally. This is my 3rd, I had a VBAC with my second, so I didn't see any reason to have a planned C-Section. We searched for Drs would do VBAC and we found one who uses Ben Taub. The cost estimates was significantly higher than using Oak bend or any of the other cost effective hospitals/doctors. The Dr's fees alone was about $5400 for normal delivery, so I contacted a midwife/birthing center as back up.

I visited both the midwife and the Drs at Ben Taub (they are 5 minutes apart in distance) but we eventually settled for the birthing center because my chances of having a natural delivery and staying within my budget was better. We had Ben Taub as backup in case going to the hospital became necessary.

My baby came on the 12th of July at the birthing center, it was easy and the best birthing experience of my three births. Baby came 2 weeks late and was happy to not have been under any pressure to be induced. Antenatal visits was easy and schedules flexible, service was very personal, midwife came home to check on us after the birth, they had free group prenatal classes and breastfeeding support meetings.

I know people on here have made a valid point of the risk of using birthing centers but for VBAC mums like me, who really want do things naturally and are low risk, its definitely an option. Also a cheaper option if you are low risk.

I got the birth certificate in less than a week, I've got the passport and also got approval for the Nigerian visa on arrival in less than 24 hours. I sent an e-mail with all necessary documents to the immigrations email address (oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng) and was very impressed to hear back from them same day.

Hi @olukemiyemi pls when you had your 1st baby @Virginia, how long did it take to get birth cert, SSN and U.S passport.
I'm currently in Virginia, awaiting baby's arrival. Did a little research and found out expedited birth cert and passport here takes 2-3 weeks min for each. ie 4-6wks after delivery! Any advice?
All Virginia mums pls help! I only planned 3wks stay after delivery

Marylandmama:


I had extra luggage and you pay for excess luggage once at the departure airport, they will probably check in ur luggage to ur final destination since ur booking was done with BA who has an arrangement with AA. I flew from Maryland to Lagos and it was BA that flew me all the way. You can ask them at the counter during check in but am sure they will check in ur luggages to ur final destination.

Thanks for your response.

noffy1:


Pls I'm heading to Virginia precisely Hampton in Dec, can you pls share your hospital and doctor details. Can I pls send a mail

goobyparks@gmail.com

Marylandmama:


I traveled with BA for my birthing trips and I normally have layover in Heathrow, you don't need a transit visa as you will not pass thru the main Immigration.

Hi @Marylandmama, pls did you have extra luggage when returning to Naija? And was it BA that got you to your final destination or American Airlines ?
I am asking these because AA got me to my final destination (Virginia tho BA is d one that arranged this) so they are still the ones that'll take baby & l to JFK to catch a BA flight to London and then Lagos. And I plan on having an extra luggage so I wanted to know if I'll still pay another extra luggage fee to AA after paying to BA.
Pls any other mom that had bn in such situations can weigh in. Tnx

Tripletmom:
@goobyparks,God was really at work,I can’t even imagine wat i would av done if I was in dat situation.
Wishing u safe delivery.
Pls,can I PM or mail u,would like to get some informations regarding the hospital and Doctor u wanna use in virginia.
Thanks

goobyparks@yahoo.com

I want to start preparing myself for my return trip. I'll most probably have excess luggage. My flight is with BA bt from Chicago to Virginia, they used America airlines. For my return, Virginia to JFK is American airlines then d rest of the journey (JFK - Heathrow - Lagos) is BA.
My ques is :wen paying for my excess luggage will I pay to American airlines also?

Sharing time! �

So, on 6th Oct i boarded BA. The 6hrs Flight was ok bt d food wasn't, I got d opportunity to watch 'the wedding party' �  1st stop - Heathrow London; was there for abt 5hrs, slept all through, airport Wi-Fi wasn't working �, was hungry bt cldnt buy food coz I didn't  want to get my balance in £ and then start exchanging back to $ �. 2nd leg: London to Chicago abt 7hrs; older plane tho nt so bad, food nt so fantastic. Arrived CBP desk;
Cbp: hi
Me: hi, good evening
Cbp: what are you here for?
Me: vacation and to have my baby
Cbp: are u here alone?
Me: yes
Cbp: *types on his system* then gives my passport to another officer and asks me to follow him. I was taken to an office with many other travellers sitting and waiting..
After abt 4hrs, I was called and the bashing started  � can't even remember all of it.
Cbp: what are you here for?
Me: vacation and to have my baby
Cbp: when? (Due date)
Me: told her
Cbp: but that wasn't the reason your visa was issued (family vacation)
Me: trying to explain
Cbp: don't even try to lie to me, so you knew you wanted to have your baby here and you went ahead to lie to the embassy. I've met your type before. U didn't have the balls to state your reason so you just went the easy way. U are a pathetic liar (she actually said sth worse bt I can't even remember right nw).
Me: tried explaining again
Cbp: are u talking over me?
Me: i'm sorry
Cbp: just shut up. where did you say you were going during ur interview
Me: Florida, for a family vacation
Cbp: so who advised you to lie so that you can come into the U.S. and do wat u really wanted to do.
Me: a friend told us about her experience (giving birth in the U.S) and how it is legal and a good thing to do for your child. (Truthfully, We heard from few family and friends how it is nt really a big deal once u can afford it bt nobody told us abt medical visa cause all 3 of them we knw used b1/b2. They just said I shldnt disclose that I was preg both to VO and Cbp. This was all before I stumbled on NL while I was searching for hospitals and I saw all these info that nobody tld me abt. I just decided in my mind to say the truth at POE, take all necessary paperwork and pray that I wnt b sent back)
Cbp: Lemme see your documents.
Me: hands over
Cbp: is this ur 1st child?
Me: no, 2nd
Cbp: *looking thru d docs* see? Did u even see dis? U such a disgusting liar. U started contacting Drs & hospitals right after your visa. *reads the email from hosp* So VD is 20,000 bt with community discount they are bringing it down to 4200/5000. *jokes to her colleague* do u knw u can have ur child for jst $5000? I've seen so many like these *shakes her head*
When is your husband coming?
Me: by d end of November after I've had my baby.
Cbp: when?
Me: 28th Nov
Cbp: bt he hasn't got a ticket yet
Me: no he hasn't
Cbp: I thought so.
(I was smiling thru the whole interrogation) ... and why are you smiling to me face and lying like i'm saying sth funny.
Me: i'm sorry, just that I smile a lot
Cbp: it's just a defense mechanism (truth! If I wasn't smiling I wld'v prob be crying).
where will u be staying?
Me: told her the address @ Virginia. I'll be staying with my cousin.
Cbp: is she a citizen
Me: no, she's a green card holder
Cbp: how did she get it?
Me: I really don't know
Cbp: Give me your wallet, money and phone *I gave her*
Where did you get this money from?
Me: I got some from the bank and some from the black market.
Cbp: black market?
Me: bureau d change.  Where I exchanged naira for dollars
Cbp: i mean who did you borrow the money from?
Me: *confused* my husband is my sponsor and he's a business man, he gave me the money
Cbp: *sarcastic* 'everybody is a business man.
*counts the money ($9100), searches my purse, gives me a leaflet that explains why my phone will be searched and asked me to unlock it* 
Cbp: *checking my whatsapp chat* who is (calls name) is she the cousin? And u sent her "we just landed in Chicago" who is "we"
Me: yes that's my cousin. By "we" i mean the plane and it's occupants.  Drop your return ticket and go back to ur seat. I'll call u when I'm done.
(All these lasted for abt 25mins)
After abt 10mins, she comes out:
Cbp:*hands over my passport, ticket, docs and  phone*. You are very lucky, your records and answers are straight. Left to me I wld' ve jst cancelled your visa.
Me: Thanks. *checked my passport to see that I was stamped for 3months* *checked my phone and saw she went through my old chats with hubby*
I thanked God and made my way to baggage claim.
Of course i' d already missed my connecting flight with American airlines. So I went to their desk and complained. Unfortunately, they don't have another same day flight so I was given a boarding pass for another flight the next day @ noon. Unfortunately, they can't help with accomodation or meal voucher (so OYO was my case). She advised I either call a number to speak with a couple of hotels around or if i didnt want to leave the airport, I could go to terminal 2 and ask for a cart (or whatever it's really called) to spend d night.
Na so I waka round Chicago airport neither finding a cart nor able to call the number. Was even directed to bus/shuttle centre to make enquiries abt hotels bt I got lost on the way ���. Myself jst tire me! I was hungry, extremely exhausted from pushing my heavy bags, confused beyond comprehension and I just wanted to sit in the middle of the airport and cry  ��! I finally located the cart area only for them to say I can't pass through that particular security with my bags. Was asked to go back to the airline and check-in my bags. I dragged myself and my bags there only for d lovely lady to say that they don't keep bags overnight  except I can come back @ 3am dat' s when they start Check in for d day. (Time was past 9pm, 2hrs after I'd left CBP). Now I understand the meaning of "ur village ppl are doing u" �����
I kuku asked "pls where can I get food"? *she directs me*
I went to Starbucks and got sandwich & juice. D chic was busy complaining that she didn't have change for $100. (Hmmm... if only she knew my story). All these while, nobody @ home knws what's up with me, no free airport Wi-Fi. I havnt even called my host. Needed coins to use d payphone so I went to ask the Starbucks chic to help me change $20. She said it's too much she can't, I explained I needed to make a call, nobody knws where I am. I decided to buy more juice jst 4 d change, she saw I was serious and asked me to return the juice and gave me some change wc included $4 coins. I was able to call my cousin, said they waited 4 me @ d airport and thought I was sent back. I spent d remaining $3 trying to contact hubby, no way. Wo! I jst told my cousin to send d msg across to them. Found me a chair and jst decided to spend d night there using my bag as pillow to avoid story dat touch (thiefry �)
Checked in next day, arrived Norfolk VA @ 3pm. Exhausted much!

Thank you Jesus!

feddy27:


Your POE is Chicago. You will meet the CBP officials there

Thanks a lot

Hello lovely NLders,

Pls I'll be going on my 1st journey to the US (2nd baby tho) in 2weeks. I have this concern, and will appreciate some clarification. I will be using BA. My itinerary is Lagos - London - Chicago - Norfolk.
Norfolk, Virginia is my final destination. My ques is; where will i meet the CBP officials? Is it in Chicago or Norfolk?

BootyliciousHon:
So in the spirit of giving back...
Scheduled time for Emirates flight...5:50pm
Time i arrived at MMIA...3:30pm (i dont know the devil that put one kain traffic jam on the road)
Date of flight...sept. 12
Number of travellers...myself and active toddler
Flew at 34 weeks and 2days
Was asked for fit to fly before checkin...showed the emirates lady who then made a copy for me. Had one check in box. Picked up my hotel voucher as i had a 22hr layover in dubai. Got on the plane and was asked for my fit to fly which i gave them. I looked a lot bigger than 34 weeks though.
The flight was smooth as expected with goodies for my kid. Arrived dubai at 4am ish. Asked where to get the hotel shuttle and was directed. Got to the hotel and checked in. It was time for breakfast by then so i simply showed my boarding pass and went to eat at the restaurant. Went up to my room took a nice long bath and rested with my toddler. Had lunch and dinner same way and then checked out by 11pm. Hotel shuttle dropped us at the airport. Boarded my flight and landed Orlando international on Thursday 14th at 10am. It wasnt easy considering my big tummy but i survived.lol.
POE Experience
I was among the first to alight the plane so i was like the 4th in line. Ours was tge only flight. Only one other Nigerian family on the flight. I noticed the CBP officers were all smiles and joking with others...my turn
Me: good morning (with smiles)and hands over over passport to him
Him :good morning(with a smile)
Him : what brings you to the US today
Me: am here to have my baby
Him: youre pregnant? (Seems the smile reduced a bit or maybe i imagined it)
Me: yes i am
Him: how long will you be here for?
Me:10weeks
Him: how much to do you have on you?
Me: 960 dollars and the rest on my card (it was after i spoke i realised i didnt say how much was on the card)
Him:do you have any food items ( asking while looing at my landing card)
Me: yes. Just Dried fish
Him: place your 4 fingers and your thumb.( I do that) follow me and i'll take you to whom you will speak with. ( thats secondary inspection )
I get there and there's just one white man there. I sit and my toddler is busy talking and playing for Africa. The officer there is a woman
Woman:how long are you here for?
Me: 10 weeks ( am still sitting where i am as i answer) then i later go close to her
Her: when are you due
Me: october xx
Her: do you have a doctor?
Me: yes
Her: any documents to back it up?
Me : yes . I askes if she wants to see it and she responds in the affirmative. I hand it to her then go back to sit.
(Envelope contents: fit to fly, letter from doctor, cost estimate from hospital, budget sheet, BoA account statement, hospital registration, email correspondence with doctors office)
I sit for some minutes then she calls me to follow her. Says i should pick my bag and head to agric that my passport will be there and i can head out from there. Did that. Bag passed thru scanner...no need to open and inspect. Called my host and went home.
...so now we have a sample of orlando

Sorry for the long post

Thank God for journey mercies.

Pls how did u manage with your toddler in the plane. He had his own seat I guess?

iphiechuks:
Dear nairalander, entered US via Houston on d 7th sept using Turkish though my final destination was Dallas. Travelled with my son.

My script
POE: passport pls
Me: Handed them
POE: who has d blue passport
Me: my son (pointing at him on d stroller)
Poe: are u a green card holder?
Me: No, I am on a visa
Poe: so u had him here
Me: yes, 2 years ago
Poe: and why are u here?
Me: to have another baby
Poe: your four fingers pls and what do u do
Me: I work with a mortgage bank as the head of operations
Poe: okay. He beckoned on a uniformed man and I was taken to secondary inspection
I waited for 1hr 30min and have connecting flight to Dallas before I was called
Meanwhile my son was singing rain rain go away and other nursery rythm remix for them while time dey go

Inspection: why are u here.
Me: to have a baby
Crp: did u pay for your first baby's bill?
Me: yes
Crp: can I see d receipts?
Me: yes n gave her
Crp: how much do have?
Me: 9486 dollars
Crp: where will u stay
Me: with family friend in Dallas
Crp: not relative? Do u have a relative here?
Me: no family friend, I don't have any relative here
Crp: is your husband coming?
Me: yes in 2 wks
Crp: wat does your husband do?
Me: Banker
Crp: have you benefited from your son's birth in d US
Me: wat benefit pls
Crp: like getting free food, bla bla bla
Me: No
Crp: okay, give me some minutes

I heard her summarizing to her boss or so when he came. She was like She was here 2 years ago to have her baby, from d record paid all her bills, she is here to have another baby, she has enough cash and has made adequate arrangement on where to stay. The oga responded pls let her go.
She called me again and told me to pls pay all my bills same way I did for d first. I responded okay, stamped me in for b2 till march next year.

Claimed my luggages n went for my connecting flight, dey told me dat dey will reschedule me for next day cos I will not meet up and asked if was detained in custom, told them dat I went for secondary inspection and had already handed my luggages to be checked in for d connecting flight. She said dat she will try since I have already transferred my luggages but if it dint work, I shld return to leave next day. While still passing security check I heard them calling my name dat I shld come on board if I am around and I told d security person dat dats my name. She quickly helped me with my hand carry and I strolled my son pass.

I only missed my baby car seat cos I dint see it at luggage claim section will call them later

As for my food stuff, nothing was seized except oil way dey carry for Abj airport dat they won't let it go.
Egusi
Ogbono
Powdered bean
Normal bean
Stock fish
Dried fish
Pepper soup ingrient
Knor
Indomie
Coconut oil
Frozen pap
Peak 123. I saw a note dat one of my bags was open for security check. Nothing taken out.

Pls all u preggy mamas that travel alone with a toddler, how do U carry him/her in the plane? And how do you handle him with ur luggage? I'm actually leaving my 20months old son behind in Naija coz of these concerns.

iphiechuks:
Dear nairalander, entered US via Houston on d 7th sept using Turkish though my final destination was Dallas. Travelled with my son.

My script
POE: passport pls
Me: Handed them
POE: who has d blue passport
Me: my son (pointing at him on d stroller)
Poe: are u a green card holder?
Me: No, I am on a visa
Poe: so u had him here
Me: yes, 2 years ago
Poe: and why are u here?
Me: to have another baby
Poe: your four fingers pls and what do u do
Me: I work with a mortgage bank as the head of operations
Poe: okay. He beckoned on a uniformed man and I was taken to secondary inspection
I waited for 1hr 30min and have connecting flight to Dallas before I was called
Meanwhile my son was singing rain rain go away and other nursery rythm remix for them while time dey go

Inspection: why are u here.
Me: to have a baby
Crp: did u pay for your first baby's bill?
Me: yes
Crp: can I see d receipts?
Me: yes n gave her
Crp: how much do have?
Me: 9486 dollars
Crp: where will u stay
Me: with family friend in Dallas
Crp: not relative? Do u have a relative here?
Me: no family friend, I don't have any relative here
Crp: is your husband coming?
Me: yes in 2 wks
Crp: wat does your husband do?
Me: Banker
Crp: have you benefited from your son's birth in d US
Me: wat benefit pls
Crp: like getting free food, bla bla bla
Me: No
Crp: okay, give me some minutes

I heard her summarizing to her boss or so when he came. She was like She was here 2 years ago to have her baby, from d record paid all her bills, she is here to have another baby, she has enough cash and has made adequate arrangement on where to stay. The oga responded pls let her go.
She called me again and told me to pls pay all my bills same way I did for d first. I responded okay, stamped me in for b2 till march next year.

Claimed my luggages n went for my connecting flight, dey told me dat dey will reschedule me for next day cos I will not meet up and asked if was detained in custom, told them dat I went for secondary inspection and had already handed my luggages to be checked in for d connecting flight. She said dat she will try since I have already transferred my luggages but if it dint work, I shld return to leave next day. While still passing security check I heard them calling my name dat I shld come on board if I am around and I told d security person dat dats my name. She quickly helped me with my hand carry and I strolled my son pass.

I only missed my baby car seat cos I dint see it at luggage claim section will call them later

As for my food stuff, nothing was seized except oil way dey carry for Abj airport dat they won't let it go.
Egusi
Ogbono
Powdered bean
Normal bean
Stock fish
Dried fish
Pepper soup ingrient
Knor
Indomie
Coconut oil
Frozen pap
Peak 123. I saw a note dat one of my bags was open for security check. Nothing taken out.

Pls was your pap still frozen when u got to the States? If yes how did u do it? I'm thinking of drying mine bt dnt know how possible dat' ll b shaa

AbusM:

Hello @AbusM
I trust LO is doing great.
Pls what Dulles your final destination?
I'm going to Norfolk, Virginia bt I want to go through IAD and then take a 1hr local flight to ORF (Norfolk). I got a better ticket deal thru this route.
Pls what's your advice

Babatwi:


Why not get the fit to fly on the same day you're travelling ,all you need to do is get to the airport a bit early sort it out.

Pls Is fit to fly from my doctor acceptable?
Or must it be from port health?

demiiii:
Hi, have you gotten the needed information If not please contact me so i can give you the information of the doctor i used before.. And the hospital if necessary

Hello Demi, pls I also need your help with Virginia hospital. Pls can u share your email? Here' d mine goobyparks@yahoo.com

babythug:


You can google up Bon secour de Paul hospitals! You may find a dr affiliated with them
And so on. I didn't use them because I discovered them late but it may work out for you!

Good luck

I googled and contacted hospitals and Drs. in Virginia, d total prices I was getting are not dat cheap oo . The cheaper ones were btw 7200 and 8000 (Dr and hosp only. Excluding tests, paed, epi, etc.)
For VD, Bon Secours is 4200, De Paul charged 5000 .
While d Dr. Offices were charging:
Centre for women health - 3425 (1st visit & delivery only)
Colonial Obgyn - 3200 (same)
Tpmg - 3000 (incl test too)
Women care centre - 2570 (incl test) - affl to De Paul.

Pls does anyone know a cheaper alternative ? Especially for Dr.
Pls help a sister !
goobyparks@yahoo.com

babythug:


You can google up Bon secour de Paul hospitals! You may find a dr affiliated with them
And so on. I didn't use them because I discovered them late but it may work out for you!

Good luck

Thanks a lot. Already checking them out.

Momo13:


I'm not sure there's a way around sending your medical history.. if you're registered at a hospital here in naija and have been attending antenatal then just request for your medical history. When you get it, send the fax. Or simply scan it to your host ( if you're gonna stay with family/ friends) and they'll get it done.

Good idea. Thanks a bunch

Dwebb55:


I shared it earlier but I think Just wise took it down. I used Dr. J-G Tchabo. He isn't cheap but is very experienced and you'll really enjoy his services. PM me for more info

Good evening @Dwebb55 . I'm new here, don't even know where and hw to pm here. I have a relative in Norfolk so I'm searching for hospitals around Norfolk, Hampton, Newport New, Chesapeake & co . All the OBGYN I contacted were asking that I send medical record via fax before I can even correspond with Dr. Some even asked I send it before they give price and then Dr will know whether to accept me or nt. I will be due in Nov. but hope to travel 5 or 6wks before EDD ie @ 33 or 34wks.
- Do you know any obgyn Dr. and hospitals around this axis that are affordable and easily accepts foreign patients?



I really don't know how this pm thing works. Pls can you send me a mail? obikweluogo@gmail.com
Or you can give me urs so that I can send u a mail.
Thanks

Harisbabe:


No email, u have to call. Cant remember d exact quote i got but should be around $4000 for vaginal delivery.

Thank you

mamacajah:


I would say, get a consent letter. It doesn't hurt to have it, whether it is asked for or not. I took one along for my last trip, I think I was asked for it after checking in, by the customs/immigration stand once I cleared security.

As for travelling with toddlers, it depends on the age and the child's nature. I would advise get enough snacks and games to keep the child occupied. If you already use an Ipad to keep them busy with games, better load it for the trip. my daughter gave me plenty stress both going and returning. Some people have said same while some were quiet.

I wish you all the best, a safe trip filled with successful delivery, quick document collection and joyful return with all luggage complete (ie shopping galore and no missing luggage from the flight ..lol).

Hello,
Please if you don't mind, what should a consent letter from DH look like? Will be grateful if you can share yours obikweluogo@gmail.com
I will be traveling with my 20months old.

Please does anyone have a quote from Jackson hospital Montgomery Alabama or do you you know how I can get one from them. There's no email address in their website..