💼 Gear & logistics · Around 35 weeks, or earlier if advised
🧳 The hospital bag and your support kit
Pack together before the due date and ask your maternity facility what it supplies and allows. Labour and length of stay vary, so keep essentials easy to reach and arrange someone who can bring extras.
Your support kit
- Phone, charger and a permitted power bank; keep cables clear of walkways.
- IDs, relevant medical records, facility-requested documents and payment options; confirm individual PhilHealth eligibility and requirements.
- Water and snacks for yourself, subject to ward rules; ask the team about your partner's food and drink during labour.
- A change of clothes, basic toiletries and any personal prescribed medicines.
- A written transport plan, backup driver or ride, and key contact numbers.
Pack and plan together
1. Check facility arrangements
Ask about birth-companion access, visiting rules, expected supplies and storage. Discuss your partner's preferred language, comfort measures and any faith practices she wants supported.
2. Prepare a small delivery pouch
Pack a diaper and a clean, lightweight first outfit in an accessible pouch. Add layers only as needed for the ward conditions and the maternity team's advice; hats are not routine indoor sleepwear.
3. Pack baby's stay supplies
Bring several changes of clothes, diapers and cleaning supplies according to the facility list. Muslin cloths are useful while feeding but must stay out of the sleep space. Do not assume a heavy sleep sack suits a warm room.
4. Pack your partner's recovery supplies
Include loose outfits, comfortable underwear, maternity pads, toiletries and any items she requests for feeding. A feeding pillow is for supervised use, not baby's sleep. Let her choose what feels comfortable.
5. Keep the essentials with you
Separate the delivery pouch from the larger bag and label items. Do not rely on access to a car boot or leave medicines in a hot vehicle. Know where documents and emergency contacts are.
6. Use a discharge checklist
Confirm newborn bloodspot and hearing screening, whether results are available and how pending results will reach you. Review feeding and follow-up plans. Check who submits the Certificate of Live Birth: domestic births should be registered with the Local Civil Registrar at the place of birth within 30 days. A PSA-certified copy is a separate step.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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- Paternity Leave Act
- Maternity leave allocation
- Birth registration
- Family Code
- Emergency services
- Newborn screening
- Infant feeding
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.