My Birth Story in 2022

I gave birth to my first baby last May 1, and I want to share with you my birth story.

If you're a first time mom-to-be or haven't had kids in years and is now pregnant, I hope you can get something from my experience of preparing for delivery and relate to my birth journey in a way.

Also, if you want to find out the answers to the following questions, please read on.

• How much did it cost to give birth in a private hospital in Cebu?
• Was getting a swab test required?
• Why should you get or not get a maternity package?

I think I could answer more questions, but those I have to highlight.

How did I find out I was pregnant? There wasn't any obvious sign. Missing my period was normal for me. I didn't feel nauseous or sick. One night in September, while we're out, I just felt like I needed to take a pregnancy test. Bought one on the way home, and surprise...there were just two undeniable lines. Took a second PT the next day, secretly hoping that it was a false positive, but I got the same results. I was scared but excited.

I had to confirm my pregnancy right away, and a friend of mine recommended her OBGYN. Went for a Transvaginal Ultrasound and I was told that I was probably on my 6th week since the baby didn't have a heartbeat yet. I was asked to go back for another TVS after 2 weeks. The doctor gave me vitamins to help with the development. When I went back in, there was a heartbeat already. 

SSS Maternity Benefit. When my pregnancy was confirmed, I immediately made a Maternity Notification through the SSS website. I pay my SSS contributions voluntary after quitting my corporate job last year. I continued to pay P2,600 monthly, so I got an estimate of P70,000 as maternity benefit. I think this is the maximum that SSS can give.

Anyway, the next pregnant months were okay. Didn't experience the usual morning sickness or any other pregnancy symptoms except that my belly was getting bigger and my thighs are showing some marks. I found out that I was having a baby boy during the 6th month.

Before my 24th week, I had to decide whether to avail of a maternity package or not. It would've saved me a lot. But why didn't I avail?

I was not sure if it's best for me to avail of a maternity package for these reasons:

• I got told that it's best to have a private OBGYN who I can consistently talk/ask for concerns - because if I get a maternity package, my consultation will be with any available resident OBGYN in the hospital so I won't be talking to only one doctor
• I got told that it's best if I can build a relationship with my OBGYN because she'll care for me and give me the best treatment during delivery

In my 7th month, I started preparing my hospital bag. Here's what I packed:

FOR MOM/DAD

1. Maternity underwear/napkin 
2. Toiletries 
3. Underwear 
4. Comfortable clothes for postpartum (ideally dresses) 
5. Husband/Partners'/Accompanying Companions' clothes 
6. Phone charger 
7. Slippers  
8. Snacks

FOR BABY

1. Newborn clothes (shirt, shorts, cap, mittens, socks and swaddle) 
2. Newborn diapers

FOR THE HOSPITAL

1. Baby book from your OBGYN
2. Admitting order from your OBGYN
3. Swab test results - Hospitals require a swab test result. This is usually only valid within 5 days from testing, so you have to test again and again until you pop. I was very lucky because I got tested a day before I was advised to go to the hospital and got my results just hours before I got admitted. I availed of Vicente Sotto's or VSMMC's Free drive thru/walk-in swab testing by making an appointment online HERE
4. Philhealth MDR
5. Identification card (ID)
6. Downpayment - mine was P15,000

Make sure you have the bags and documents in your car or in one area of the house so you can grab it as soon as you feel any labor sign.

I have to mention that I changed my OBGYN 3 times - in my 7th month and 8th month because their clinics were far from our house and I can't keep up with their clinic schedules. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but I was lucky I found my current OBGYN. She was what I needed.

Just some tips/steps during your private OBGYN visit:

• Ask your OBGYN what hospitals he/she is affiliated with - and decide where you want to deliver your baby. I delivered mine in South Western Hospital formerly Sacred Heart Hospital. 
• Ask for an Admitting Order once you reach 7 months - If you didn't avail of a maternity package or didn't consult with the OBGYN from the hospital where you plan to deliver, they won't admit you.

One thing I didn't know was that I need to have a Pedia as well. Good thing my sister mentioned, so I asked my OBGYN about it and if she can recommend someone. And happily, she has a partner Pedia. Saved me time and effort to find one.

• Ask your OBGYN and Pedia about their professional fee so you can prepare. Mine was P25,000 (OBGYN) and P5,000 (Pedia). Note: My OBGYN required cash payment, but the hospital can accept debit/credit cards.

Some optional things you can get if you have the budget: Congenital Anomaly Scan (usually P2,000+) and 3D/4D Ultrasound (Usually P1,500+)

In my 8th and 9th month, I watched a lot of Youtube videos on baby's week-on-week development . I also watched videos on how to progress fast, how dilation works, breathing exercises and everything that could help me prepare for delivery. I think that helped me a lot to be mentally prepared. I also convinced myself that I will have a better experience than my sisters. And that I had an amazing pain tolerance. haha. Which I proved to be right when I was still able to talk and laugh with the doctors and assistants in between contractions while I was 8cm dilated.

How did I found out I was about to give birth? I had my first IE on my 37th week. I was already 3cm and didn't even notice. The following week, I was just supposed to attend a close friend's wedding, but my OBGYN asked if I could come early for my second IE. I was 5cm, so she asked me to prepare and go to the hospital by 6PM. I asked if I can still attend the wedding and she said OK. My hospital bag was already in the car, so we just went straight to the reception, finished the program and went to the hospital right after. 

I didn't progress fast. My bag of water wasn't ruptured so they had to manually do it. I progressed 1 cm every 2 hours after. Labored for 5 hours. I had a normal delivery. I was not induced, and I didn't get an epidural. We stayed in the hospital from April 30 to May 2. My baby was discharged together with me. Overall, I paid P70,000 for the delivery. 

I'd like to commend the staff of SouthWestern University Medical Center for being very accommodating and attentive to my needs.

It's important to be mentally prepared to give birth, so ask other moms, read and watch videos to know what to expect during labor and delivery. Good luck!