Mothers-to-be in third world countries don’t have the choice of putting thought into what they’ll pack in their maternity bags before birth, simply because having options is a luxury.
Sadly it’s often forgotten that many pregnant woman worldwide are merely trying to survive childbirth, and hoping their baby makes it through too.
In New Zealand and in other first world countries? Mums often want the process to be as painless and safe as possible.
DeliverLife is a new project for UK based charity WaterLife. They have visions of “a world where everyone has access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030.”
In this photo series, they highlight the contrasting perception of childbirth by showcasing what ‘essentials’ women worldwide pack in their bags in preparation for birth.
Did you pack a razor blade to cut your child’s umbilical cord or massage oils and snacks?
Eye-opening, isn’t it?
Photos: WaterAid
Ellen Phiri, 23, Malawi: Torch, black plastic sheet, razor blade, string, 200 Malawian Kwacha note and three large sarongs.
Hazel Shandumba, 27, Zambia: Baby blanket, cotton wool, sarong, baby suit, napkins, dish and polythene roll.
Razafindrabary Claudine, 26, Madagascar: New clothes, cotton wool, alcohol for cleaning, nappies, thermos, bucket, sanitary pads.
Deanna Neiers, New York, USA: Music player, coconut oil, lavender oil, arnica gel, snacks, nursing bra and pads, nursing pillow, clothes, swaddle, onesie, hat.
Katy Shaw, 31, Melbourne, Australia: Toiletries, snacks, nappies, hats, socks, mittens, clothes and swaddles for the baby, clothes for her, night dresses, maternity underwear, maternity pads, nursing pads, massage oils.
Joanna Laurie, 34, London, United Kingdom: Nappies, little white clothes, trousers, snacks, clothes, towel, toileteries, TENS machine, maternity pads.
Kemisa Hidaya, 27, Uganda: Two nylon sheets to keep the bed clean during childbirth, two pairs of gloves (she was told to bring 10 but could only afford two), razor blades to be used during the birthing process, cotton wool, soap powder for cleaning the labor room after childbirth, disinfectant, bucket and basin for bathing and urination, flask for hot drinking water, toilet paper, baby blanket, diapers, bed linens, money.
