₦airaland Forum

Hello, everybody !

I delivered baby 2 days ago in St. Francis Medical Center, LA. It was fast and hard we arrived in the hospital when I was 9 cm. it was second baby. They didn't have a chance to give me epidural. So they just told me . You will deliver right now !

I was surprised because I didn't feel my contractions on 9 cm..it was barely painful. Pushing was very hard for me. So dr M had to cut me and use vacuum to take out my baby girl. He explained that her head is big. Actually it's 37 cm. So dr M and pediatrician assured me that it doesn't affect her head and brain at all.

But in general I feel that I had better experience in MIHS 2 years ago then here. But it's fine , it's ok.

Besides, I have a question to LA moms. How can I get birth certificate faster ? Lady from records told me it took 1,5 months. Do you have any recommendation ? How to hurry up them?

For second inspectation keep with you Zero balance ( mine was MIHS) and appointment with Doctor. I showed as well fees for my delivery by doctor and by hospital.

Hi, everybody ! One week ago I landed in LAX with my husband and my 22 months American daughter. My family passed immigration , but I had second inspectation, because immigration officer wasn't satisfied that I'm going to deliver a baby by the same visa ( I delivered baby 2 years ago as well in USA). So she was confusing that I use that visa twice.
Asked me did I notify embassy ?
Sure, that no, because I didn't change my intentions

So I was waiting my queue 2 hours and then 2 min of questions and I got stamp. But to be honest, it was nervous waiting time.

I signed already contract with St Francis Medical Center $2700 and paid already for first visit and vaginal delivery to Dr. M

I was flying on my 37 weeks and 2 days with fit flight letter from my doctor, where was texted that I'm 35 weeks. I would say it was the most convenient time, because my belly went down. And it was easy to spend 22 hours in seating position, otherwise, I couldn't breath, when belly push my lungs.

DeeUzor:
Thanks a lot.

Still waiting for LA recommendations. Especially around the Fontana area.

Only recommendation I have seen since is Dr Mbagwu at the St Francis hospital.

When is your due ? i'm going to do the same

sugah:
I guess they sent a crappy plane to your country.
The aircraft that flies to Nigeria is the dreamliner (boeing 787) and as the name suggests, its a dream to fly in.
Sorry about your experience though.

My flight was from Taiwan. And crew staff were old man without uniform

blaize777:
Please who ve United USA line.the one I saw online is automated.i need to ask dem pple returning after June 30 Wats up with dem and how one can add baby ticket and amt.

I have flied with United and it was horrible experience. I mean service and quality of plane suck. I will never use them again.

nefertitiram:
See Varvara! You don't want us to come to your country ni? Tell us o! So that we can have access to original virgin russian hair *in modath's voice*

But it will be one kind o... 1st baby, US citizen, 2nd baby, russian citizen. Someone will need NATO peace keeping mission in your house on a daily basis

You made my day. Even I wouldn't advice to deliver in Russia. People there almost don't speak English.

shrekandfiona:
How do you want us to help you na? VO don talk say make you try UK or India after 3 denials within 4 months. Shouldn't that be a sign to you that you should forget the US trip for now at least for this baby?

Okay make I give my own advice...try Brazil, Russia or Mexico them near USA

Pls give a break and reapply after like a year when there's a significant change in your situation

They will give citizenship in Brazil, but no in Russia

Lawyer123:
Hello house,Pls my friend needs your help.This is her story below:

Hello everyone, I had my interview yesterday now I was rejected. This would be my 3rd interview so far in 2016.
The first time in Jan 2016,I had just got recently married and wanted to go for my honeymoon but was rejected. (Pls note my husband has a valid visa)
The 2nd interview in Feb 2016, i still maintained that I was going for a vacation with my husband and I told them our budget, how much I earned and my husband's income.However I was denied again.

I am currently 22weeks pregnant and i got that information after the second interview.I applied again (my husby paid the full hospital fee and Doctor fee which was 6850USD), I had my doctor correspondence along with confirmation of reciept of payment), budget sheet, statement of account, medical report.

The transcript thus;

Me: Good morning Sir
VO; good morning , your passport please ( handed over my passport)
VO; why are you going to the US?
Me; I am going to deliver my baby (I started giving him my medical history), the fact that I currently have a history diabetes in pregnancy , I lost 2 of my elder sister - 1 died during childbirth and the other was a preterm, hence my husband being a doctor and knowing that the prenatal mortality rate in Nigeria is poor, we decided it's best to go to the US in order to have access to Better healthcare facility for me and our baby. ( while I was saying this he was already going through my doctor correspondent, receipt and my budget sheet in which I followed phema budget but made changes to suite my needs)
VO; so I can see that you were denied visa twice , what has changed?
Me: we just got married in Jan and we wanted to go for our honey moon in Hawaii in which was denied due to insufficient fund, however now I am pregnant and my medical condition of being diabetic is the reason why I am here for this interview.
Vo; sorry madam I am afraid I will have to disqualify you again bla bla bla
Me; please what is the reason ?
VO; sorry madam I will advice you give birth in uk or India
Me; excuse me sir , I deserve to know the reason as we have already paid the full medical fee
VO: sorry madam the hospital will refund you your money , I advice you deliver in the uk or India

Please what are my options now and where do you think I went wrong?(I'm thinking of reapplying or seeking a petition)

PLEASE HELP VERY URGENT

I think after question "what has changed?" You have to show that you gain higher position in your work and earn more money, so thats why you have enough funds even for childbirth in US. It's just my thoughts

happytbaby:
If I am calculating right, you are saying you want to fly at 37 weeks. I don't think this is wise. It is risky.

In the last time I traveled in the same time and delivered at 40 weeks and 3 days. I think it's fine.
Thank you for your worries

veleta:
@ Nenya,am interested in St Francis California and Dr M,and would be travelling very early September,looking for a partner too.
@ Nef,so sorry about your loss.Life is just so unpredictable and value of life in this country is not appreciated. May God grant them eternal rest

I'm also planning to deliver in St Francis, but I will fly in the middle of August and DUE on 5th of September

Amother4life:
This attachment clearly states that applicants must be full time residents at the time of signing the contract for this delivery package. If this was what you signed up for you were not qualified to enjoy that benefit because visitors on B1/B2 visas cannot be FULL time residents!
Maricopa County Resident—an individual who has lived in Maricopa County for 50 days AND lived in the State of Arizona for at least one year prior who is a U.S. Citizen or in a lawful immigrant status.

You are not right. She delivered in 2014 and in those year MIHS used another text in there maternity package. It was like that

"...This Plan is not limited to Maricopa County residents, and does not have any income requirements.

Eligibility Requirements: The mother must agree to deliver her baby at Maricopa Medical Center (MMC) and sign a Maternity Package Plan Agreement. This Agreement is not for patients with health insurance for maternity care or for patients that are enrolled in AHCCCS."

vivianobas:
I know say una sabi grammar wella for nairaland You all will agree with me that most Americans do not pay cash for medical care, hence the reduced package when you are a self pay patient. As at 2012 when I used MIHS, I got another self-pay package for around $3,000 in San Diego but opted for MIHS because my brother insisted that I stay in Phoenix. 2012 is over 4 years ago and I refuse to accept that spending a little under $3,500 (including pediatrician fee, circumcision and drugs) for childbirth then was cheap.

People that used MIHS will attest to the fact that a lot of Latinos and Somalias use MIHS hence the reduced self pay package.

While I was in California last year, an hospital gave me a breakdown for self pay maternity package for under $4,500 which my friend used 7 weeks ago, will this also be regarded as too cheap? It is a known fact that some POEs have overzealous immigration officers, the onus is also on us to identify these POEs and avoid them like plague. In my own case, I have not had any problem going in and out of the US (divine favour).

I came out of retirement/ghostmode to air my views on the MIHS thing. I wish you all peace and favour on all sides.

Dear, could you tell me what hospital with package did you want to use in San Diego last time?
I'm looking for that option.
Thank you a lot

mismarshal:
A friend was sent back at the POE last week despite having zero balance from MIHS for those reasons.

That is horrible. I will force them to call in hospital and clarify everything. It's bad news

mismarshal:
Please has any previous MIHS mum had issues with visa renewal or not allowed entry into the US by immigration stating that the cost for the maternity package was discounted by the government hence they made use of government funds.

And how were you able to resolve it.

What happened? I will travel in August and I will bring with me my zero balance from MIHS. I hope I won't have any issue

Bisoye82:
Yes it's Los Angeles.
You get it through the Dr office when you call.
You can only sign the contract after your first Dr appointment where you will be given some paperwork,thereafter you head to the hospital to pay and sign the self pay contract.

Thank you a lot. I called yesterday already in hospital, they told the same price 2700 usd and gave me few doctors. But then when I was checking Dr. M I found that he is affiliated with another hospital. Anyway, I will call all list of doctors

To be honest, you made my trip! I was doubting in everything and after your big comment I just relaxed with final decision

LadyGuinivere:
True? God bless! Fairfax is like 20 mins away from my auntie's house. Oya comot the post mbk before 'they' spoil it for me before I reach there

When you will know the price for package , share it with us please

cutelass:
Used st Francis medical center and dr. Mb---u. Hospital bill $2700 for vag. Delivery (includes paediatrician, epidural (the thing wore off towards the actual delivery). Stayed an extra day which cost $900 (covers both me and baby). Hospital gives free stroller. I've gotten zero balance.

Dr fees had always been 1500 and 2500 for vag and csection respectively. When I got here...saw it was now 1000 and 1300...was told the dr considered the current economic situation in Nigeria and decided to slash his self-pay fees. Hmmm...Angels still dey dis earth Shaa.

That's great! Congratulations! Is it Los Angeles?
How did you get your correspond letter? Through Hospital or Dr?
Could you explain more with detail about contract before delivery?

Thank you a lot.
Relax and sleep more

I hope it helps you. Good luck in everything!

LadyGuinivere:
God's grace in this ya waka o! Na wa! Anyway I can help? PM/ quote me me.

MadameU:
Please i need help,Mamas and Papas away at the moment, please can anyone help out with making further enquiries about the old/reviewed MIHS maternity package, I have called and talked but they keep holding and passing without displaying any knowledge of the info i need from them and finished all the money i in my wallet yesterday on calls, My people abeg if you get that free local calls service please help me call them and ask if that maternity package of 2014 was offered at the low rates at the time because the US government covered a substantial part of the bill. Or was it actually a discounted rate offered to self pay patients Abeg, I even asked for Francisca Hernandez the then financial counselor but they claim shes no longer with them.
i am trying to get more facts and build on points to reapply.
My head is hot. thanks all.

Hi! I still have sample fro 2014 maternity package. Tell me and I will send it to your mail

This guy answered me by Jeri.Turner@bswhealth.org
And I send message through online from directly from website

XX01:
Hi. How did you get through to them. Which email address did you use?

Guys! Is anybody going to deliver in San Diego or may be had experience there?

Hey! I'm planning to go there in August

Msp:
Hello mamas, pls anybody going to El paso in July for VBAC? Pls can we rub minds together. Also, please how do we go about this plane ticket wahala.i was considering United but with this new development .... pls can someone suggest/advice best possible way to get to elpaso without sleeping in the air for hours and breaking ya bank.

Ese

I will do the same. Current visa started from August 2014 for three years. I delivered first in the OCtober 2014 and then I will deliver second baby in September 2016. I don't think there will be any issue

Babyidj01:
Good day house,

Just a quick question please, I got my b1/b2 visa in August 2014, used it for my 1st baby December 2014 and got back to nigeria January 2015.

My visa expires August 2016 and am currently pregnant with my 2nd baby, intending to travel 1st week of July because baby is due mid-August and get back to nigeria end of September.

Do I renew my visa knowing fully well my visa expires a month to my entering the USA, if yes, why please and if no, kindly state your reasons

Never heard of people using the same visa for 2 deliveries. Please help, what do I expect and say at the POE about this?

Thank you my good people

Why did happen? There has to be fixed price

ifyalways:
God has been good to me and mine. My "daughter" entered on Monday via JFK and no questions were asked, no secondary inspections or anything.

In my quest to make sure she got the visa, I paid El Paso hospital and Doctors fees in advance against the good advisory I got here. The deductions no be here ooo. $145 refund processing fee for Hospital bill, $250 again deducted from hospital bill and $145 deducted from Doctors fees. That's excluding the registration and Doctors letters. Nearly $750 gone . . .Just sharing so no one makes same mistake as I did.

Hi!

Doctoresparati. It's a service that arrange everything for you with reasonable price in El Paso

http://www.doctoresparati.com/home.html

fitmaama2:
Hi Everyone,

My very first post here and i am very glad i found this thread 2 weeks ago. Actually i am totally new to NL and have been reading as a Guest for those 2 weeks now...at every spare time i have.
I have used the past 2 weeks of stumbling on this thread to read through old post to enable me familiarize myself with how things are done. I must say pple have put in alot of work to give we "novice" mums/dads a wealth of information for FREE.... was so surprised cos i tot Nigerians never share stuff like this.

A little bit about me.

this is my 2nd missionary journey but d very 1st we are considering in the US
I used to consider myself super sharp at things like this but after reading transcripts from pple i realized i cant do this on my own lol
I have filled the interview forms for my hubby and i and interview is scheduled for the 2nd of May
I would be 21 weeks by then and showing of course so i plan to say at the interview that i would be going for vacation and to go and birth
Would be staying with my friend in Texas
My hubby and I are working and have some money saved and would be showing all those details at the interview
...........i believe this is a summary

My question;
i am currently searching for a good hospital in Texas. Has anyone given birth in Texas? i have been going through the thread but i am yet to find any Texas(maybe i missed it).
As advised by @Tvegas and other pple in the thread, i need to get a good hospital that would understand the need of a self paying patient from Nigeria and with a doctor we can relate with well well.

I dont want to bombard all questions at once so i plan to be very active asking questions and sharing my birth diary as i update it for others to learn from....

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies to this

Cc @justWise

Thank you very much for information.

Does anybody know Hialeah Hospital in Florida still exist? They had previously VD 2300 usd. But there web site doesn't work

Peaceful2016:
I posted this earlier but I just realised that it was deleted... I'm not sure why, but i'd just share it again cos it might help someone.
I had my baby via VD in HNMC Houston in January.
Hospital cost 2000 CS is 3500
Doctors cost 1700 CS 1850
Lab was 154 but I paid $72 got 50% discount
Pediatrician 1133 but paid $794 got 30% discount
I didn't use Epidural but it's $650 for VD and $750 for CS

Also United allowed us carry two 23kg bags for the baby. I insisted since that's what's stated on the website (I saved the page on my phone, but they didn't ask to see it) and told them that I had called customer service to confirm