A new project from the charity WaterAid has revealed what women from around the globe pack in their maternity bags. From a razor blade to cut the umbilical cord to plastic sheets for the hospital bed, these photos show the startling contrast of birthing essentials around the world.
Deanna, USA
Her bag includes: Music player, coconut oil for massage, lavender oil, arnica gel, snacks, nursing bra and pads, nursing pillow, comfortable clothes to wear at the hospital and to travel back home, soft swaddle blanket for baby, a long-sleeve onesie, a knitted hat.
“Being pregnant certainly heightens your awareness of how fortunate we are to have access to great birthing facilities and clean water. You want the best for your baby and it’s devastating to think about dangers such as contaminated water and unhygienic facilities. I imagine a world where all women have a safe, clean place to birth their babies.”