₦airaland Forum

I had the same problem too after registration but last night I tried logging in and got the error message that my account is not active so I clicked on resend mail and got the activation mail so u guys can try it again. Not been able to log in though, error!!! Guess the site is not fully up or the traffic flow on it is massive, lol. Let's all keep trying and pray for the best.

Hello everyone. Please for those that have completed their missionary journey, how did you package your baby's car seat and stroller for check in at the airport? Want to go prepared. Thank you.

Ajujuju2:
D price i paid at d airport was cheaper than what id almst paid over the fone. However i truly cant answer your question, bcz iv heard ppl say its usually more expensive in d day of flight.
Bassinet isnt automatic especially if you check in late and d flight is full with newborns. I usually check in online and pixk my seat or request expressly at counter check in.
AF is strict on luggage. Baby check in is 10kg anyth abov dat is charged as an excess. But baby carry-on is 12kg

Thank you for the response. Called their office to enquire about price today but the lady couldn't give me any info cos she said smthing about them being on strike so I should call back in a few days. I also want to know if you bought one way ticket for your baby or a return. Thanks.

Ajujuju2:
Hmmmm ds matter isnt always strait forward o.
My advise?? Contact ur airline first.

I flew Air France and dy were already asking me for babys visa/passport from IAH. Infct d babe dat attended to me must have been new because she attempted to input the E.T.C detail and it dint enter. Den she called her manager. Its d manager that told her what the etc was and how to input it. She said foreigners needed to hav some travel document to fly.

So me thinks ts subject to airline. Plus ds ur quote can be interpreted two ways. Saying
a) minors dnt need a visa[b] if mentioned on the passport of the person accompanying them[/b]
b) saying minors entering for the first time

if the clauses are read as one den ur deduction may not be correct.

Once again unfortunately naija no de help im people. Even if d baby can enter free d immigration pipu will want their share of your abroad money...thinking if u can birth abroad den u can dash dem some dollar's too. Because can anybody explainwill (.. in blazes) our immigration will be charging us in dollars? $200? Do dy hav dollar account? Is naija a dollar economy? Dey will end up changing it at travelex for N360 -$1 and pay 20k into government purse....nonsense!

If na only me de hia dem no go see chop o. Becauz il rather pay $350 abroad dan giv dem $1 hia. Nonsense.

Hello Ajujuju2, pls how much did you pay to add your baby to your ticket with Airfrance and how dId they treat you with luggage allowance? Then were you able to get a bassinet on the plane? Want to know if it's cheaper to get to the airport first before paying or to call and pay online before the travel date. Thank you.

firsttymum:
Someone said and I quote "na wa o I sent that msg since morning and u r just replying ( after 5 hrs) that's not Nice"
I now said wow u didn't assume I'm busy? Anyway I'll reply at my free time and it's not even compulsory I do.
He now said is that how I speak to my husband at home?
I ignored. Next he sent an email the next day asking questions I added him to spam. He sent me emails with his other emails and I kept adding to spam. He actually said I won't apologize if that's what you are looking for such nerve. I said I'm not ur wife go and pour ur tantrums on her.

Then one hormonal brat
I replied her the next day Inshort I managed to reply her was really down cos of ms. And she said
Ftm so it took u so long to respond. I now said sorry jare u know how this morning sickness can b. She now said we women like exaggerating... So I can't just take my phone and quickly answer her.
It was as if she was paying me.
I now said no way, I will reply when I can. She said I'm feeling like I have all d information. She will get her info without me. I said Ok then... later and God bless. She shamelessly sent me a msg about a week later apologizing nd asking me for the pages of bla bla bla I shld just snap my jotter for her. I ignored and added her to spam.

People have eaten up their humanity and are so insensitive and selfish.

Wow!!! It's sad when people spoil show for others cos I just don't understand why we can't all be humble in our ignorance especially when we find people who are always ready and willing to help. Lol @ snap ur jotter! The person for ask u to mail d whole jotter na lol. I feel you firstymum but pls find it in your heart to help the humble ones and ignore the others, guess the thread is not for everyone after all.

passionantchica:
Congrats Phummy2. God's blessings on you, lo, and your family.
Mw, you had your baby just around the corner from me

Thanks and amen @Passionantchica. Are you also using the same hospital or Gwinnett? Hope you are doing good.

zayt:
Hello everyone, in the spirit of giving back pls find below my journey so far..I'm sorry this is coming late but I hope it's helpful.
This is my second missionary journey to give birth so as usual I contacted the same hospital and doctor. Gwinnett Medical Center and doctor oduro.(atlanta)
First let me begin with my POE xperience. There were no hassles at all. Spent about 5mins on the queue before I was called. Interview was as follows:
Cbp officer: hi, passport pls
Me: hands over passport
Cbp: what are u here for?
Me: to have my baby
Cbp: I can see you had your first here. Are u using the same hospital and doctor.
Me: yes and I paid a deposit...
Cbp: (interupts) it's ok. You mentioned u have food items what kind?
Me: yes. Egusi, ogbono, garri etc.
Cbp: how much cash do u have on u?
Me: 12k
Cbp: (hands over passport) and asks if atlanta is my last destination or if I intend to leave town.
Me: no this is my only destination.
Cbp: ok have a nice day.

Went and got my bags I wasn't referred to agriculture and secndary inspection however on my way out I was sent to secondary inspection by a random officer. On getting there I saw about 5 Nigerians all seated and waiting. In my mind I was like oh God this pple will waste my time. Only for my name to be called barely a minute after getting there. They asked what I came for, how much I have and asked to see the money. Then I was given a form to fill, asked howfar I was and that was it. Was handed my passport and I left.
Went to doctor oduro's office the next day which was a Monday and was told I'm 36weeks and not 35 like I thought. All the same I was happy as I wanted the baby out as soon as possible.
Three weeks later I put to bed a baby boy. I was induced though. Everything went well and as planned and I was discharged the next day.

Got my baby's birth cert 6days later(had to go pick it up at vital records office)
Hospital bill total was 3400 for mum and baby (this is after the 30percent discount I was given for paying a deposit of 6k dollars. I was given a cheque for 2600 a refund for the balance.
Doctor oduro's fee was 2150. (he accepted all my tests and doctors report from naija so I dint have to pay any additional fees for tests
Circumcision was 250
First paediatric visit was 140 dollars.
Naija passport was gotten same day. Paid 95dollars I think. Not sure. It was hubby that went to pay but I heard 95 or there abt.
Then yanki passport was gotten a week after the application we expedited it and paid 169 a the post offce in down town atl.
Social security also came a week later via mail.

So just waiting for my post parfum visit wt Dr. Oduro and one more visit to the paediatrician wt baby and I'm done and heading to naija.

Sorry for the long epistle.
Wish all the mama's in the house a smooth and hassle free xperience on this journey.

Congratulations zayt, God bless the family. Kindly respond to my pm, want to find out the steps I need to take for the Nigerian and us passport cos I'm kinda confused about some things already and I'm alone here so have to do all the running around myself and can't afford to make mistakes that will bring about any delay. Had my baby last week here in Georgia (Snellville) so expecting the bc this week and will have just 2 weeks to get the passports and return home.

Expecting your response, thank you.

klemboy:
Many thanks dear. Really do appreciate your feedbacks. Would appreciate if you could provide me with Dr Anyakwo's personal number. Pls send to mrlemboyeakorede@yahoo.com . So we could place a direct call to her.

You are welcome. I don't have her personal number but have always been able to reach her on the office number when I need to and you can also send an email, their address is sttheresasobgyn@comcast.net. Whenever you call, ask to speak with her directly and also send her an email, I'm sure you'll get a response.

firsttymum:
Who will respond now?
The mamas that posts reasonable and relevant posts or the ones that don't.

Kikikikikikikikiki na play I dey o.
On a serious note if u want help try not to throw a shade. Even the ones that u feel posts relevant blablaa will be Discouraged cos dey may feel u r actually referring to them as the irrelevant and unreasonable poster . Everyone with his or her definition of relevant and reasonable ish.

For ur question check page
Part 2 page 280
Part 1 page 126

It still baffles me how you always come up with the parts and pages, like you have it all stored up and produce them by the push of a botton lol. Good job though.

klemboy:
@phummy2 Congratulations to you on the arrival of your bundle of joy and many thanks for the info. My husband is currently in contact with St thersas and they seem not to be willing to give a doctor's correspondence following their discussion yesterday. This seems to be the only document we have left out as we have gotten all with a letter from our host. Could you please advice on how you went about yours. Congrats once more.

I actually used st Theresas obgyn. I was able to get her to give me an appointment confirmation letter after she went thru my pregnancy records and we agreed on when my first appointment would be and it was not until later before my travel date that I emailed them asking for a price quote and all and I explained that I needed it for my Poe documentation and I got a response which I printed out but was not even asked for any doc at Poe.

My advise is that you send your records to them by fax and once reviewed they will get back to you and let them know once they agree to accept you that you will need an appointment confirmation letter which is one of the requirements for your visa application.

I'm sure that will sort it all out cos they won't just give you a correspondence or letter without seeing your records and agreeing to take up your care when you arrive, it's that way with all of them.

firsttymum:
Phummy2
Congratulations dear.. We give God the glory

Thank you.

klemboy:
Hi Everyone. I am new to this thread, reading through gave me so much joy, broadening my knowledge on things to know. I am planning on using east side medical centre in atlanta for my delivery and would love anyone to please recommend a doctor pls. The doctor I got did confirm to me that they do not provide a doctors correspondence. Trust to get a feedback shortly. Tnx

I had my baby at eastside medical center 4 days ago. You can call the hospital for them to give you a list of the obgyns affiliated with them and do your research. In the meantime, search for Gwinnett obgyn and st Theresas obgyn and follow up.

To the glory of God, had my baby boy 11:53pm on 4th of July and the whole experience was amazing. Had him about 3hours after arriving the hospital and was able to endure the natural process cos in all honesty the idea of a needle being stuck into my spine kinda freaks me out so dint consider it an option (some of us are not that courageous, lol). We are both doing great and have been discharged.

Will post further details of the bills as they begin to arrive but the hospital i used in Snellville Georgia, accepted all my other naija tests but dint have the ones I had to do, hearing test $245 (bill will come later in the mail) and hopefully I can get a discount if possible.

The bills I'm expecting are the pediatrician fees and the hearing test for now and probably lab works done but not sure. Will keep everyone posted about how it goes. Don't know if I'm allowed to post hospital names so I excluded it but it can b found in my previous posts (Eastside) just in case cos I mentioned 2 different ones.

Waiting for bc so I can start doc processing and go back home as I came by myself, left hubby and 2 kids back home (dollar changed plans n summer baby for dt matter lol).

I'm happy I stumbled on this thread, God bless everyone here and success with visa, tickets, pta, form a, Poe, labour and delivery. As for those waiting, God NEVER fails, continue to trust in Him. The vigil has started, sigh! Lol

boldbabe:
Infant ticket must not be ready to get the US passport. I rem then in Sept 2013 when i did mine at Houston downtown, i and hubby went with our travel ticket and explained we need to get Nig visa too so that they can process it quickly and the nice lady just said we should return in about two hours same day & it was ready. I got infant ticket after i had gotten the Nig visa.

Thank you for the response.

mrsbw:
if your flight is within a month and you'll need visa (e.g. your baby will need Nigerian visa on their passport to travel to Nigeria), they'll also attend to you

Okay. Thank you.

Ajujuju2:
Passport office downtown.
However they will only attend to you if u hav a flight in less dan 2wks. Plus u need to book an appointment and go with proof.

Not all states have one, so u will need to goggle your state or the nearest one. Same fees apply

Congrats on your successful missionary journey, may the joy last forever. Pls is the proof of flight in 2wks for mother only or one must have booked ticket for the baby also, and if one's flight is in like 3wks where can one process from? Then how soon can one book an appointment at the passport office? Thanks.

luckyman23:
good morning, please does Air France/KLM ask for port health authority fit to fly?

Air France will ask for fit to fly from port health cos they refused the one I had from my hospital so I had to get from port health before I was fully checked in.

gold638:
Super happy on your POE experience. Congrats. Pls,I'm planning a trip too to Atlanta sometime in October. What hospital and doctor are u using? Also, how where u able to book ur accommodation? Would really be happy to here from you. Tnx

Thank you. Staying with my in laws so accommodation is free. With regards to hospital, got one not very far from the house outside Atlanta (Eastside medical center in Snellville GA) as the distance from the house to Atlanta is about 45mins which will increase transportation cost and don't want to take chances with distance and traffic on the d-day.

Where you decide to stay will determine the hospital and that will in turn determine the obgyn.

Hello everyone. Arrived the Atlanta yday via Airfrance/Delta at about 34wks and flight was good as I got very comfortable seats, thanks to the Aifrance staff that booked my ticket. My Poe experience did not last more than 2 minutes which I still find surprising but really thankful to God. My experience goes thus:

Me: good afternoon
Cpb: hello, passport pls and what are you here for?
Me: holiday and to have my baby
Cpb: smiles, i like it when people are truthful. Did you inform the embassy about the baby?
Me: yes I did
Cpb: good. Were you informed about the rules.
Me: yes I was, to ensure I pay all my bills and get my receipts.
Cpb: briefs me on the rules again and stresses not to accept any aid. How long do you intend to stay and how much do you have with you.
Me: 9weeks and I have about 6300.
Cpb: asks me to scan my finger prints, stamps my passport and wishes me the best with the baby.

The guy did not ask me for any document and did not even check my cash! I was surprised cos I was already prepared for secondary inspection sef, lol. I'm thankful to God and the people on this thread, you guys over prepared me for this trip and I'm glad to be a part of this. Mw, I checked my passport after picking my luggage and noticed the Cpb did not specify any date on the stamp so I met another officer on my way out and informed her and she grumbled about the guy not being attentive n filled in 6mnths.

I'm with my host now chilling and waiting for my first OBGYN appointment on Tuesday.ToGod be the glory.

passionantchica:
Ha Happytbaby, stop this Kain play o. Cos I'm using Northside. 24k what #Faints
Mbok, the devil is a liar

Pls don't faint o, lol. These cases vary. I know someone that was given a refund of over $1000 from Northside cos she had a very smooth labour and delivery and did not spend more than a day before being discharged so just tell God how you want it, have faith and it shall be yours. For all those going thru different challenges, God is in control. Trust in Him cos He never fails.

MomSomyy:
Wow! Even when you are not asked that question? Hmm. I must have been so naive then. Thank you all the same. I will just read the thread as you adviced. God bless.

@momsomy, it's always wise to come out clean whether asked or not. I remember my own experience, I did not plan to birth at the time of application but we decided to somewhere along the line and despite all d discouragement I got from a lot of people about declaring, I still went ahead to get my documents ready and just kept quiet when people told me not to declare knowing I would anyways and I was not asked about it but I still went ahead to inform d vo n got my visa even without being asked for any document and was just asked about my budget and how far gone I was cos I was not showing at all at that time. So for the benefit of first timers, pls declare your true intentions and have your documents in place and don't resort to change of intent abeg, they might just decide to start ignoring or canceling visas if it becomes too common.

nefertitiram:
I've just received the worst news of my life. A friend died in childbirth... Havana hospital!


I'm still in shock. This is 2016... baby and mum died.

Not our portion in Jesus name. I just needed to rant. I can only say if only...

This Nigeria sef

Wow!!! Sorry about that nerf, God will comfort all affected. Had my 2nd baby there n even several colleagues of mine too and had good experiences, I wonder what went wrong this time. Let us all continue to pray for all expecting mothers cos the success is not by our power or might, nor by the hospitals and physicians but by the grace of God. May we not hear such news again, it is well with us all.

simababe:
@pamperme, thanks dear. Well noted.

@phunmie2, best bet is to kip on checkin diff banks. SIL said u can try jaiz bank in abj

Thanks @simababe, will check on Monday.

Congrats @TheLeakytribe, God is an awesome God and always comes through. May God continue to keep your LO and family in divine health and perfect everything. Enjoy the new phase. Good morning everyone, let's all try to take a deep breath first and not get too upset about some comments or take them personal and start throwing shades Biko. We are too much for this and are here to encourage each other cos this is a thread I've come to respect cos of the number of experienced mums and dads too who are always willing and ready to help and honestly it's not something you can easily get out there coz there is power in number of followers on this thread and if someone gives a wrong or unsatisfactory response, there are always others to put it straight n even explain so let's all just chill and be encouraging and choose to ignore or cool off first before responding to something we are upset about cos it sure helps to cool off first cos then, u can think through and give a better response. Have a blessed day peeps.

Still waiting for positive responses on PTA, God help me, have less than 2weeks to travel date. Does anyone know if travelex is selling in Abuja and how much?

evemama:
Hello house,
My testimonies plenty.
1) my mum got her visa on monday at abuja, she went with her burden of proofs but itb was not checked. Just 2 questions ( were are u going and why). White paper given to her and Vo is typing, my mama refused to go feeling like d woman never check her plenty papers na security man come explain say no need, u've been given visa!

2) had my beautiful big baby girl same day by 7; 42am at Oakbend by dr F.
After 4yrs of marriage, 2 nasty 1st & 2nd trimester miscarriages. This miracle came. At abt 4 months was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, put on insulin 3 times daily and considered high risk pregnancy. This discouraged me greatly I almost left d American dream, plus had some doctors I originally wanted to use in america who turned me down cos I was on insulin.

Congratulations! God always stays faithful n this is only the beginning of greater testimonies for u. Enjoy the new n beautiful phase you've just entered in your life.

Congratulations @cutelass. This is indeed a testimony, may God continue to bless ur family. I pray for a smooth experience for all of us waiting n counting down to our travel dates, Poe and baby delivery. Still on pta hustle o n hopeful. Biko why does it take standard chartered so long to open account? I've been waiting for over a week now, sigh! It is well. Have a great weekend everyone.

Hello everyone and congrats to all the new mommies and soon to be mums on successful Poe experiences. Pls for those who made payments through form A, which banks did u use and what was the duration? I'm not getting any specific duration and most of the responses are not encouraging considering the fact that Im 3wks to my travel date. Still holding on to faith on pta also. God help us all.

Hello everyone. It feels good to be a part of part 4. Congrats to all the new moms and successful Poe and visas. Please anyone with info on tickets? Travel period is end of May to Atlanta but I'm having a difficult time getting good prices. Please I need advise on pregnant friendly and comfy airlines with reasonable prices. I know the period is close to peak but I need to wrap things this week and don't really want to go through agents cos of experiences people have had with adding baby to their tickets or making any changes. Thank you.

GucciOluwa:
Amen. Thank you all. I pray for strength becos this is feeling is not good at all. This is my first pregnancy in two yrs of marriage. It's well.

It is well with you dear. The Lord will compensate you beyond ur imagination and fill your mouth with songs of praise very soon. May the Holy Spirit comfort you at this time, never lose faith because God is always performing miracles.

TheLeakyTribe:
goodmorning everyone. so I'm travelling today. last week was crazy, ended up buying dollars at the black market rate. haven't been able to update on this page sef, I'm behind like 5 pages.

Anyway I want to sound a warning to everyone so what happened to me won't happen to anyone else. Let's be extra careful, not after trying hard in this economy to get dollars one would now tell my kind of story. it's not your portion IJN.

I had a help that was so useful to me, she did so much that I would always sing her praises to anyone who cares to listen. For this trip I registered her for a catering course and promised to keep paying her (N25k a month plus free accomodation, feeding and personal effects as well as medicals when the need arises). I treated that girl like a sister.

long story short, this week my toddler who I'm travelling with has been sick so I've been in and out of hospital and doing all sorts, wasn't able to even follow up with bank hence having to buy dollars at black market rate. Yesterday I took him for a final checkup and other running around in preparation for my trip and she was home helping me get my things ready.

this morning her phone was switched off, I asked her why, she said it packed up, I asked her to bring it let me check what's wrong, she left and I didn't see her again. she just walked out and took a bike cos if she had carried load the estate security would have stopped her.

she left with my Dollars in her pocket. 20 minutes later I noticed she had taken the money. how she found it is beyond me, she must have really searched.

please pray for me, bought 1k now to go with and have money in an account there but still I'm not myself.

Let's be extra careful everyone please. be mindful of whos around you.

Wow!!! Really sorry for the loss. God will surely come thru for u n fish her out somehow. Word of advise, try to keep helps away from your private rooms pls, it's very important. Grew up with maids around us but they never entered my parents rooms n we the children did d cleaning for them n this is what I practise in my home too. In my almost 8yrs of marriage, no help has entered my room for any reason so I believe this sold b a learning point for us all. I pray dt God will take control n redirect her back to where she will b found. Just take it easy pls.

LadyGuinivere:
I for vex shaaaaaaaaa! But Ladies don't vex. Especially Ladies that are 5 star generals. Another day maybe....but definitely not today. Goodnight

I'm one of the silent readers on this thread and sometimes shake my head at some questions. I remember when I first stumbled on this thread, I first did some reading and even went thru the thread from part 1 before asking any question and been doing my research based on the things I've learnt and even have a note pad for info I might need later on. Il advice new comers to read thru first to know what the tread is about before asking questions so it encourages those that have been there n done that to respond. @LadyGuinivere I hail your patience honestly and the way you take time to help with responses n also hail u for being d bigger person by still guiding after d backlash. Anyways, just had to drop my comment, couldn't hold back. Lol

I'm a very recent reader and follower of this topic and il say it's been very informative. I've tried to browse through from part 1 and have learnt a lot. Discovered the link a few weeks to my visa interview and thought I was prepared till I started reading and discovered there was a lot more involved if one was going to be straight and declare the intention to give birth in the USA.

Though we did not have any intention to declare at the point of application cos we were also planning a family holiday but this thread gave me the confidence and got me prepared for the interview.

The interview date finally came n we had all the documents ready and witnessed several people leave disappointed but held on to our faith to go ahead to declare. So it finally got to our turn and all d vo asked was to confirm what we already had on our application and did not even allow us talk much.

Asked where hubby works, what he does and monthly income and also asked about our host, the relationship, how long he's known them and what they do (thankfully I had told him the day before the interview to confirm all the info) so it was a smooth response. The vo also asked where I work, how long and my monthly income and then said we can pick up our passports in a few days, all this did not last 5mins so I had to quickly add that I also have the intention of having our baby during the vacation period and went ahead to tell her I had a doctors correspondence bla bla and reached for it but she said not to bother and just asked how old the pregnancy is (which is not obvious yet except u take a very close look) and then asked what our budget was and said it was okay that we should make sure we get all our receipts and all and wished us all the best and I made sure to remind her to include it in the interview documentation.

The amazing part was that the vo did not ask us for any document and told me not to bother when I tried to reach for the doctors correspondence. Some may call it luck but i choose to call it 'grace' cos I've read about people that had all the documentation and were still denied.

I want encourage intending moms to read through the thread, learn from mistakes, prepare well and pray pray pray. Also want to thank all the contributors on this thread, you have helped a lot more people than u can imagine cos not everyone reading will ask questions or contribute. Kudos guys.

Had correspondence from Northside in Atlanta but it's about an hours drive from my in-law so it's now a no go area for now as they don't think it's wise to get a place when they are right there to take care of me and also save cost so I have between rockdale medical center and Emory eastside medical center. I would appreciate it if anyone on this thread has info on their services to help me make adecision as I did not see any info on the thread for them and also doctor referral.

Than you!!!