Nana89:
Hello people! I'm back to share my little piece after the delivery of my baby at Northside hospital atlanta. Everything went smooth thankful to God. I was able to get the birth certificate with 5 days after which I made an appointment at the pAssport agency and guess what! We got the passport same day because the date I booked for my return to Nigeria was just a week from the day we had the appointment( planned on shifting the date depending on the number of days the passport will take). Requested the SSN at the time of filling the form for the bc and also got it in the mail about 5 working days after we collected the bc( it said on the form that it takes up to 5 weeks for it to be out), we also applied for a Nigerian passport at the consulate and got it in 3 days. All in all it took less than two weeks to get everything. Thanks be to Almighty God for it could be a totally different story. If anybody is considering atlanta and has questions, do send an email and I will try my best to response! P.s also got my zero balance from the hospital and even a refund of $255 from the hospital as my bill didn't reach the estimate they gave before I made the down payment which qualifies me for the discount they give to self pay patients.

Hi Nana89,

Congratulations to you! I am in Atlanta and hope to use Northside soon, want to ask about billing payment etc. and documentation too! I sent you a PM or you can reach me on loisasabe@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

Newmum15:
Congratulations on your successful entry.Pls I'm a July mum to be and I'm looking at coming to Atlanta.Still don't have a doctor or hospital in mind.Pls can you help with that?Then I'd like to know if you bought your ticket via online agent or from KLM directly.Pls ma'am I'm really banking on this information.Thank you so much.

First, bought my ticket via an online site - kayak.com, it took me to the Kim site and was even cheaper than wakanow. For hospital, I am going with Northside, it's the cheapest quote I got for self pay - about $3,550 if you pay within 30 days of delivery. As for doctor, I am using alliance obgyn and they doctors are great, but I am finding them a bit expensive, still going to discuss with them sha,methought I don't really think I should change at this stage in pregnancy 36 weeks now). Other good hospitals are the famous Gwinnett, Emory Midtown and Kennestone, sorry I don't have their prices.

ojsimsim:
Please has any one flown klm, please share your experience.

I came in on Friday via KLm, it was WONDERFUL! All the air hostesses kept stopping to ask if it was ok or needed anything, then they hung a KLM bib in front of my chair! Lol! The senior hostesses came and personally introduced themselves to me, to say that if I had any problems or needed anything, to let them know. Maybe they wanted to be sure I was not going to give birth on board lol!

Lagos to Amsterdam was nicer than Amsterdam to Us, but no issues at all and they did. It even ask for my fit to fly or ask me any questions when joining my connecting flight.

Hello my fellow ACIW!

I have landed Atlanta to God be the glory and thanks to the tips from you all. I had favor all the way and just want to share my POE experience.

I had prepared for the "infamous Atlanta" POE with great fear and trepidation - trusting God for favor and making sure I was ready with all documents- but still fearing secondary investigatin etc, I arrived on Friday, looked at all the CBP officers, no black person, no Latino. Hmmm,.mi started praying again. Long story short, I was sent to one middle aged white guy and the dude was not smiling, he did not even look at my face at first:

CBP: Why are you here?
Me: Vacation and to have my baby.
CBP: How do you intend to pay for that?
Me: self pay, I have some cash (told him how much), my debit cards (brought out my printed bank statements)
CBP: what arrangements have you made so far?
Me:I have a doctor and contacted the hospital as well.
CBP: have you paid for any of this yet?
Me: not yet, but that's because the doctors office said I will make the payments at my first visit (brought out my hospital correspondence).
CBP: so do you have any family or friends in Atlanta and where will you be staying?
Me: with my husbands Uncle and Aunt.
CBP: so what will you be doing while you are here?
Me: (in my mind - Oga, did you not hear me the first time?) I plan to have my baby while I am here. He nodded, so I quickly addedsight seeing, shopping, resting. He waited, I was blank oh! Then:
CBP: ok, that's it, you can go.

About 5 minutes all in all, and each time I brought out a document, he did not even bother to look at it, I guess he thought I was well prepared so...Atl the dreaded has been conquered!

One tip I think was important, I did not carry any food or anything to declare...I just felt there is no need to give them reason to call me to inner room, let our handshake no reach elbow, lol! There is lots of Nigerian food here if you have a craving, for gifts, I brought fabric instead. Depends on you though, o just remembered that my last journey BWI (Baltimore), it was after I passed the first guy that they started asks me questions, so no need.

Thanks for the tips and all guys.

woaini:


Sorry for the late response, this was what I sent.
NOTIFICATION OF INTENT
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to notify the embassy of my travel plans. I have a B1/B2 visa which I used for a vacation late November last year. I am pregnant and we have decided to have our baby in the USA. I have made proper arrangements by contacting a doctor and a hospital for the purpose and we have adequate finances to cover all the expenses. 

I understand that my visa covers for the purpose but I would like to request that you kindly update my records to reflect this information. Also advise if there is any other thing I would need to know. 

Thank you so much dear and God bless.

feddy27:
Ok, since I can't sleep now, lemme share my experience:
1. I flew from PH to lag, on getting to PH airport, Aero refused to fly me cos I was 32weeks+4days! Said their policy for preggies is 32weeks, like joke like joke, flight took off without me after they have even issued boarding pass! So I quickly bought arik dat has 34wks policy and got a refund from aero. Arik still had to confirm from pilot before they accepted and took my fit to travel.

2. Got to lag, no worries at all. Checked in with KLM, they didn't ask for fit to fly.Arranged passenger assistance for my gran cos she came with me. Declared my $10k cash to naija custom.

3. At Amsterdam, dey asked my purpose of traveling to the USA, told them vacation and child birth.

...
Oya lemme try to sleep, still need to sort out accommodation. I'll share when I'm done too.

Hi,

Congrats in your successful entry. Please can you share the format of your change of intent letter?

Thank you.

woaini:
Hi @ slanliz007. Some people feel three is no need to send the letter but like phema would say its better to be 'over prepared'. Just like you I have used my visa for the purpose I got it but I still sent the letter, no harm in that. But for me I termed it notification of intent not change in travel plans
Above all do what best suits you. . Good luck

Hi,

Please can you help with a sample of the letter you sent?

Thanks,

Hi Peeps,

Please can someone who wrote the change of intent letter put up a sample? Sorry if this has been asked before oh, but I have not seen. Thanks.

lollydee:


@Kairi @Shawbabe . Waiting to read from you both on hospitals in Altanta.I was considering Southern regional until i hrd of the bill. I have settled to get a Dr.from Lifecycle but i still need an hospital. Pls pls.fil me in on hospital you hv decided on.

Lollydee,

I am doing north side- estimate for vaginal delivery if you pay upfront is 3550. Check the Lifecycle Doctors and which hospitals they are affiliated to. Once you chose your doctor, you can then check the hospitals they are affiliated to...or chose your hospital and find an affiliated doctor. Either way...lol!

bomly:
Well you can not travel two weeks or three weeks after delivery, you are only allowed to travel after 2months minimum. Also in Idaho state you can delivery with $4,000 if it's natural birth and no epidoral, anyway I wish you luck.

So not true! I travelled with my baby when she was less than 3 weeks old.

Shawbabe:
I might as well get it over with lol

My POE story....in the spirit of giving back


I flew Air France/Delta from the calmest city in Naija...Abuja

The checking in process was ok. No stress, they had me go to Port Health and get a certificate to fly even though I had my own from my Dr. They insisted on the one from theirs, so I went there with my mum and the lady in the office had the nerve to charge 2k naira for it, I was about to flip and say HELL NO! But my mama peacemaker of life, took charge and paid. I was already pissed! Why would I pay 2k for what i have? Nonsense! Anyway we left and off we went to lounge to relax, then boarded. I was given a bulkhead seat at my request. So the flight to Paris was OK. I slept like a baby all through.
We landed Paris and my feet was the size of tree trunks lol. My mum had me put it up while we waited. Our layover was just 1hr 30 mins, so we left for Atl. The flight to Atl was even better, I watched like 4 films coz it's a 9hr flight, the hostesses were awesome, especially the black lady. She kept giving me bottles of water, food and juice. I walked around as much as I could coz I was so scared about the size of my feet but my mama said I should relax lol.
Anyway we landed ATL, and the queue to Immigration wasn't long, we were the only flight that landed that early so the line was fast. It got to us, and off we went to the window:

CBP Officer to me: Hello ma'am how are u?
Me: I'm good and u?
CBP: I'm fine thanks. Are u two together and whats the connection?
Me: That's ma lovely Mama
CBP and Mama: Laughs
CBP: So whats the purpose of ur trip?
Me: Vacation and child birth
CBP: Oh ok. Place your right hand on the fingerprint machine pls
Me: (I place my had and removed my glasses for the face capture)
CBP: (Stamps me in and takes mum's passport): Purpose of trip?
Mama: To attend meeting and look after my daughter pre and post delivery
CBP: Ah she's a lucky one ain't she? Dragging u with her to care for her
Me and mama: Laughs!
CBP to Mama: Place your hand on the machine please? (Stamps mum's passport, 6 months each.)

He hands us both our passport and asks me when I'm due and if hubby will join me, I respond in 3 months and hubby will arrive closer to due date, he said no worries goodluck and all the best.

Off we went to pick our baggages and proceeded to hand in the Declaration form. We had ogbono, crayfish, stockfish and Dry fish.

The two men looked over the forms and said 'oh wow yall actually declared your food' and smiles. His colleague laughs and says yea you ladies are free to go. And off we went!

The whole process was under 2 minutes, no documents were asked, even though I had burden of proof in my handbag and didn't bother emailing any Intent letter to the embassy lol. I just thought that one na long process jare, sides I'm not required to. Got the visa many years ago and used it more than 12 times so no need.

Oh I should also mention I had only $40 dollars cash with me lol. Becoz i had transferred all the money to the Bank of America account, and with exchange rate now, I couldn't be bothered to change anything for handy cash jo. I had the print out of hubby's BoA account statement anyway in case issues arose.

Got home and put my feet up. The swelling has since disappeared, so I thank God for divine favour and all went smoothly. So na to sit and wait for baby arrival.

Hi Shawbabe. Congrats, I claim your POE too oh as I will be coming to Atlanta. You can try www.obgynalliance or north Atlanta OBGYN. Please let us know how it goes.

Hi guys,

Quick question please, if anyone ever used North Atlanta OBGYN can you share your experience with the doctors? I know they deliver at Northside hospital and charge $2200 for self pay.

Thanks.

Hi Peoples,

Please Atlanta Mommas, I need help oh.

First, anyone using or used Piedmont? How were their services? Can you provide an email address to contact them for a quote? I cannot seem to find any online.
Also, I tried to contact Dr. Soyoola and Dr. Oduro but have not gotten any response. Please can anyone help with their email addresses so I can request same from them; or anyone with a great Doctor who used Northside (where I am leaning for now till I see the others) and preferably a female...sorry guys

Thanks!

mom2015:

@kairi,Shawbabe and Chloe,thanks for the response . Abeg I am looking at gradys hospital, gwinett and Northside Atlanta. But with the posts I Av seen on d outrageous bills from gwinett, I Av narrowed my search to gradys and Northside Atlanta if ill be staying in Atlanta. Abeg help with a cost estimate and what ur reviews are for these hospitals ooo.
@ finechikala I dey hail ooo, I'm still trying to make up my mind on whr I'll be staying. I'll have to pay for rent if I use el Paso. Abeg help a sis ooo....dis confusion is killing me.

Meanwhile, I'm yet to get a response on d passport photo. Is it normal cos all dis confusion sef dey kill me.
Thanks

I am most likely using north side as the estimate is about 3550 after discount. I haven't seen Grady's, will look that up too. Thanks.

Shawbabe:


Lol thanks for replying.

Mom2015, I'm Atlanta bound oh....in fact I read that my old post and I dunno what the hell I was thinking considering El paso and Arizona lol.

@Ritrit u haven't read the thread as u are quoting posts from 6 months back and asking same questions.

Meanwhile, all these people quoting Tvegas long posts just to say congrats or asj for email, u people are making it harder for phone users to scroll through.

Hi Shawbabe. When are you traveling? I am Atlanta bound as well, leaving in March. We should hook up, please inbox me.

mom2015:
Hi everyone in d house, I am a silent reader of this forum. I had an interview at the us embassy today and will be due to give birth in April. This will be my first time of traveling outside the country and I was granted a visa. My pick up date is on Thursday. I have a few questions tho:
- i noticed that the consulate officer didn't collect any of my passport photos, I just want to know if it's right or an omission on his part cos I was told to drop my passport photo for my uk visa.
- i will like to hook up with April mums due to travel in February or March as I am yet to conclude on where I will be giving birth. My options for now are Illinois, Atlanta, phoenix and texas.
- any April mum plan to use use Maricopa, elpaso or any other cost effective hospital should pls share with me.
@ tvegas,congrats on d arrival of ur son.

Mom2015 I hail oh. April mom Due to travel to Atlanta sometime in March.

Hello everyone...Atlanta POE experience? Please share with a sister. Meanwhile, I am planning to travel in March, between Atl and El Paso.

aye88:
Hello o, I'm presently in Maryland. For those considering Maryland or Virginia, I got some hospitals and tort I should share with the house.
1. Waldof women's care: they are a group of female ob/gyn. They are ranked very high arnd Waldof Maryland. Their fee is 2500 for self pay patients and they can also give you a 70percent giftcard off your latest. They use civista medical center. As for the hospital I called to get an estimate but they said they can't give an estimate per say as ur delivery determine what you will be charged.

2. Also Dr Rogers. His fee is 3000 for self pay patients. He uses Anna rundel hospital. Very good doctor too.

3. Dr ansera. His fee for self pay is 3000. He uses Inova alexandria hospital. The hospital fee for virginal birth is 5500 and they give a 46percent discount for self pay patients. Two days stay. I hope this help someone

Be very careful with the hospital oh...I did Holycross hospital in Maryland before and the bill was over 15k. We offered to pay upfront hoping for discount and they offered us 2percent discount. Check if the hospital has a package first as discussing with my friends later, I heard that Maryland hospitals are generally 9k upwards and don't give discounts.

Shawbabe:

When are u traveling?

Hi, I palm to travel second week of March. Anyone gone through Atlanta Poe? What is it like?

Hi Everyone,

Please can I hear experiences on Atlanta POE? Thanks

Hello Everyone,

Please can anyone give me some information about hospitals and doctors in Atlanta? Hospitals and/or doctors you may have used; how the bills come and general experience. Also, what is it like coming in through Atlanta airport? I plan to fly BA - do they also do secondary inspection etc?

Thanks,

Omodaraju:


Kairi,

The letter of intent was sent to the embassy because we got our visas for vacation purpose, in fact i wasn't pregnant at the time even though the VO asked me.
If you appeared at the embassy, and you declared that one of your reasons for seeking the visa was for childbirth, I don't think it is necessary for you to write any letter of intent.

Thanks Omodaraju, we just used dropbox for visa renewal, so there was no interview and I actually got pregnant a month or so after the application. We have not travelled on the visa at all, do you think I need to write still? Thanks. Please I don't know how to PM on this site yet so will catch up soon i hope, that is why i am replying so late.

kizluv:


Jaiz !!!,ERROR, second week in FEBRUARY, lol, sorry for the wrong info

No problem my dear. Enjoy. And anyone travelling in March, please hail me oh! I am still undecided between Atlanta and El Paso...hubby says Atlanta and I am thinking El Paso. Also, I need help on how to post here or respond to messages....I keep getting mails saying I am unconnected reply to this message to get in touch with someone and then I am unable to pm etc. How do I go about this?

kizluv:


Patty, i am traveling 2nd week in march too, most likely BA, make i begin find ticket, how much did you buy? at least we can reach heath-row together...

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and all, but I plan to travel second week in March. Please pm and send me your mail address so we can hook up and plan. Where are you guys heading?

IyawoToBe:
Did you travel alone or you did with your family?

Hi Omodaraju,

Please can you pm me more on this? I did not know you should write a letter of intent to give birth there?

Thanks,

Destiny4G:
Gurus in the House,
After hitting a brick wall in my Florida search I have decided to port to Houston.
I am narrowing down to either Oak bend in Richmond and Methodist Hospital in Sugar land, accommodation will be a deciding factor.

As per Tvegas advise, please can someone advise me on those who offer accommodation,feeding or transportation, or better side closest accomodation to these hospitals?

And please any April mamas bound to either if these hospitals/locations please let's plan together...

Hi I am an april Momma to be and I plan to leave here in march. I am seriously thinking El Paso as in doctoresparati.com

hi obong, i breed dogs in Jos, my breeding stock is all imported;we have rots, caucasians, english mastiffs and st Bernards. call me on 08054490426. i also have links with an importer who'll bring in any breed you want.

hi everybody, please oh, has anybody who passed the 2nd stage for NLNG heard from them about the next stage? thanx

i am also interested in postgraduate scholarships to do a masters in law. especially the PTDF scholarship. anyone wit info please let me know. thanx