If you’re scheduled for a c-section and you’re worried of what you need to prepare, or whether you are eligible to receive any Philippine Maternity Benefits, or you don’t know what documents you need to prepare, then continue reading to learn more
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR YOUR C-SECTION PROCEDURE
If you’re scheduled for a c-section, whether at a public or private hospital, you need to prepare yourself in many ways, like:
- Costs: C-sections are more expensive than normal delivery because it is a surgical procedure and requires more medical services compared to a regular vaginal delivery.1
- Check your benefits: Know if you have access to PhilHealth, SSS, health insurance, or other health benefits. Check with your doctor or hospital beforehand to see how these can help fund the delivery and other requirements. Prepare all necessary documents and evidence to apply for maternity benefits.1
- Know the risks of a C-section: There are many risks that can occur during a cesarean section.3 Moms should ask their doctors about any concerns they may have about how to handle the situation. Is there a risk of serious harm?
- Staying in the hospital: Moms who have had a C-section may need to stay in the hospital for 2–3 days to monitor for any complications in the mother or abnormalities in the baby.2,3,4 If complications arise, the doctor may recommend a longer stay.
- Know the self-care after a C-section: Moms who give birth via C-section take longer to recover than those who give birth vaginally.2,3,4 If your doctor prescribes or recommends a C-section, it’s important to follow the proper care plan for a smooth recovery.
- Prepare your maternity items: Most C-sections are scheduled in advance.2,3,4 Make sure to prepare your hospital items early so you’re ready when it’s time to go.
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL COSTS AT THE HOSPITAL FOR C-SECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES?
The price of a c-section is higher than the price of a natural birth due to the additional services needed to deliver the child. If you have PhilHealth, health insurance, or other benefits, it can help reduce the costs you need to pay for the c-section in the hospital. 
HOW MUCH DOES A C-SECTION USUALLY COST IN THE PHILIPPINES? 1
Cost comes as a huge factor when preparing to welcome your child into the world. Whether you choose to give birth at a public or private hospital, having a c-section comes at a premium over natural birth. For public hospitals, it can cost around PhP25,000 while c-sections in private hospitals range from PhP80,000 to PhP 250,000. Though you must take into account that the final bill still depends on the hospital you choose, the services and care you are given, as well as any possible complications that may arise during your procedure and stay at the hospital.
WHAT ARE THE MATERNITY BENEFITS IN THE PHILIPPINES?5,6
Did you know that as an expectant mother, whether working in the government or private sector, you are eligible to 105 days maternity leave with full pay? Thanks to Republic Act 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law. Aside from the 105 days, you may also opt to extend this leave for 30 more days without pay. Plus, if you qualify as a solo parent under RA 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, you shall also be granted an additional 15 days of this maternity leave with full pay. This maternity leave benefit is applicable to all women regardless of their civil status, in every instance of pregnancy regardless of the frequency.
To qualify for the maternity leave benefits, the expectant mother must have:
- - Paid at least 3 monthly SSS contributions in the 12-month period preceding the birth.
- Notified their employer of the pregnancy and expected date of delivery, who will then transmit it to SSS. If you are self-employed, a voluntary contributor, or an OFW that is an SSS member, you may give your notice directly to SSS and you can receive the benefit directly from them.
Aside from the benefits above, PhilHealth Members can also avail of the PhilHealth’s Maternity Care Package, if they’ve paid at least 9 months of premium contributions within the 12 months prior the first day of their availment/confiment. Expecting mothers are entitled to essential health services during antenatal period, labor, delivery and immediate post-partum period. C-Section deliveries can get around PhP19,000 from PhilHealth when done in level 1-3 hospitals. It is advised that you make an inquiry with relevant authorities to get more accurate information about your benefits.
HELP YOUR CS-BORN KIDS GET STRONGER DEVELOPMENT
Preparing for a C-Section includes preparing for your child’s future too. When a child is born via C-Section it means that the child misses out on the beneficial bacteria that is present in the mom’s birth canal because it is a surgical procedure where the child is delivered through the stomach. This may lead to the CS-born kid having a less diverse gut microbiome which weakens their immunity and gut health as they grow up.7
Good thing, there is now milk that is specially designed for CS-born kids! Introducing NEW Enfagrow A+ CS-Biome 3+: Specially formulated with the C-Biome blend with MFGM and highest levels of DHA (among staged milks), an exclusive immune blend with 2x Higher 2’-FL HMO (vs Enfagrow A+ Nurapro 3+), and prebiotics to help give them stronger protection and optimal brain, immunity, and gut development for their A+ Future with proper nutrition and stimulation.
References:
1. Evangelista, Dara, Cost of Giving Birth in the Philippines, available at https://www.edamama.ph/discover/play-learn/cost-of-giving-birth-in-the-… accessed on 25 November 2024
2. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M.; c1997-2020. After a C-Section – in the hospital; [updated 2024 November 8]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000620.htm accessed on 07 March 2025
3. Mayo Clinic. C-Section available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655 accessed on 07 March 2025
4. Better Health Channel. Caesarean Section. Available at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caesarean-sect… accessed on 07 March 2025
5. Philippine Commission on Women. Availment of the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Under Republic Act 11210 FAQs available at https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-11210/ accessed on 07 March 2025
6. Philippine News Agency. Philhealth benefits available for pregnant women – Ledesma available at https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197385 accessed on 07 March 2025
7. Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal Seeding. available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22096-vaginal-seeding accessed on 25 November 2024
