What Pregnant Women Around The World Pack In Their Maternity Bags

Inside The Maternity Bags Of Women Around The World
|

Fascinating photos have revealed what expectant mothers all over the world pack in their maternity bag before they give birth.

As part of WaterAid's 'Deliver Life' campaign - to bring safe, clean water to newborns and their mums - the charity photographed and interviewed womeninternationally.

Depending on where in the world they were giving birth, the items women chose to take to the hospital ranged from being life-savers to simple luxuries.

Open Image Modal

Two of the maternity bags photographed in the series.

"When I see these photographs, and meet women in similar situations, I am always struck by the harsh reality they face when giving birth in such risky conditions," Barbara Frost, WaterAid’s chief executive said.

"That is why our Deliver Life appeal is focused on water and sanitation facilities to help ensure a clean environment and good hygiene, giving hope for mother and baby.

"Simple but true."

There were several key maternity bag items that a lot of women had in common, including blankets to the wrap the baby in, baby clothes and a water bottle or flask.

However, there were also marked differences. Some items packed by mums-to-be were largely dictated by whether they can rely on the hospital having clean water and hygienic conditions during their labour.

"All of us want every newborn baby to get the best possible start in life," added Frost.

"Midwives and hospital staff want to be able to do the job that they trained for – to deliver life. But this isn’t possible without safe water, toilets and good hygiene."

View the photo series below.

Water Aid's Deliver Life: Maternity Bags
Agnes Noti, 22(01 of19)
Open Image Modal
In the labour ward at Kiomboi Hospital, Iramba, Tanzania, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(02 of19)
Open Image Modal
Noti's maternity bag contents: Clothes for the baby, socks, basin, flask, tea. (credit: WaterAid)
Ellen Phiri, 23(03 of19)
Open Image Modal
Simulemba Health Centre, Malawi, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(04 of19)
Open Image Modal
Phiri's maternity bag contents: Torch, black plastic sheet, razor blade, string, 200 Malawian Kwacha note and three large sarongs. (credit: WaterAid)
Hazel Shandumba, 27(05 of19)
Open Image Modal
Hamangaba, West of Monze District, Zambia, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(06 of19)
Open Image Modal
Shandumba's maternity bag. (credit: WaterAid)
(07 of19)
Open Image Modal
Shandumba's maternity bag contents: Baby blanket, cotton wool, sarong, baby suit, napkins, dish and polythene roll. (credit: WaterAid)
Razafindrabary Claudine, 26(08 of19)
Open Image Modal
Soavina Health Centre, Betafo district, Vakinankaratra region, Madagascar, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(09 of19)
Open Image Modal
Claudine’s maternity basket. (credit: WaterAid)
(10 of19)
Open Image Modal
Claudine’s maternity basket contents: New clothes, cotton wool, alcohol for cleaning, nappies, thermos, bucket, sanitary pads. (credit: WaterAid)
Deanna Neiers(11 of19)
Open Image Modal
New York City, USA, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(12 of19)
Open Image Modal
Neiers' maternity bag.
(13 of19)
Open Image Modal
Neiers' maternity bag contents: Music player, coconut oil, lavender oil, arnica gel, snacks, nursing bra and pads, nursing pillow, clothes, swaddle, onesie, hat. (credit: WaterAid)
Katy Shaw, 31(14 of19)
Open Image Modal
Melbourne, Australia, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(15 of19)
Open Image Modal
Shaw's maternity bag. (credit: WaterAid)
(16 of19)
Open Image Modal
Shaw's maternity bags contents: Toileteries, snacks, nappies, hats, socks, mittens, clothes and swaddles for the baby, clothes for her, night dresses, maternity underwear, maternity pads nursing pads, massage oils. (credit: WaterAid)
Joanna Laurie, 34(17 of19)
Open Image Modal
London. UK, 2015. (credit: WaterAid)
(18 of19)
Open Image Modal
Laurie's maternity bag. (credit: WaterAid)
(19 of19)
Open Image Modal
Laurie's maternity bag contents: Nappies, little white clothes, trousers, snacks, clothes, towel, toileteries, TENS machine, maternity pads. (credit: WaterAid)

WaterAid’s Deliver Life appeal aims to reach 130,000 mums and their families around the world this winter with safe water.

Birth Photography Contest 2016
(01 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Birth Blessings Photography and Childbirth Services/International Association of Professional Birth Photographe)
(02 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(03 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(04 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Natalia Walth Photography/International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(05 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(06 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(07 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(08 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(09 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Love By Krista Evans Photography/International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(10 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Apple Blossom Families/International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(11 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(12 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(13 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(14 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(15 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(16 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Angela Gallo/International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(17 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(18 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(19 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(20 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(21 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(22 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(23 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(24 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(25 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(26 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:alexandra kayy photography/International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)
(27 of27)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie/International Association of Professional Birth Photographers)