As part of its Deliver Life campaign, the charity WaterAid photographed women around the world and what they pack in their maternity bags — from luxuries to lifesavers — highlighting the need for clean water and hygienic conditions in developing countries.

“As you examine these photos, you can see the remarkable similarities of expecting mothers around the globe as they prepare for childbirth,” says Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of WaterAid Canada. “It is however, the jaw-dropping differences that are of greatest concern. In many community clinics and hospitals the lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene mean that mothers also must prepare to protect their newborns from disease.”

Agnes Noti — Tanzania

Agnes Noti, 22, is at the Kiomboi Hospital in Tanzania. There are three rooms for antenatal and postnatal care — none of them have basins or running water. There is one broken toilet in the labour ward, but no shower. After giving birth, women either wash in the toilet or climb into the sink in the sluice room. That sink is used to dispose of waste from the labour ward and to wash medical equipment.

What’s in her bag: Clothes and a blanket for the baby, socks, a basin, a flask and tea.

Ellen Phiri — Malawi

Ellen Phiri, 23, is from Malawi. She gave birth at the Simulemba Health Centre, which serves over 70,000 people and delivers over 90 babies a month. But it has no running water, only four toilets for 400 people and rundown showers. Water is collected from a pump shared with the locals. This water isn’t clean and lines are long.

What’s in her bag: A flashlight because there is no electricity, a black plastic sheet for the delivery bed, a razor blade, string and three large sarongs.

Hazel Shandumba — Zambia

Hazel Shandumba, 27, lives in a village in Zambia. At the local clinic, there is a borehole but no running water in the maternity ward, she said.

What’s in the bag: A baby blanket, cotton wool, a sarong, a baby suit, napkins, a dish for water to wash with and a polyethylene roll to cover the delivery bed.

Claudine Razafindrabary — Madagascar

In Madagascar, Claudine Razafindrabary, 26, said there is running water near her house because of WaterAid. “So I don’t have to walk very far to fetch water.”

What’s in her bag: New clothes, cotton wool, alcohol for cleaning, diapers, a thermos, a bucket and sanitary pads.

Deanna Neiers — The United States

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Deanna Neiers of New York City feels fortunate to live within walking distance of one of the best hospitals in the city, where she has 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.”

What’s in her bag: A music player, coconut oil, lavender oil, arnica gel, snacks, a nursing bra and pads, a nursing pillow, clothes, a swaddle, a onesie and a hat.

Katy Shaw — Australia

In Melbourne, Katy Shaw, 31, says it’s unbelievable that pregnant women have to deal with the everyday stresses of pregnancy, the prospect of childbirth and the additional burden of collecting water, too.

What’s in her bag: Toiletries, snacks, diapers, socks, clothes and swaddles for the baby, clothes for her, night dresses, maternity underwear, maternity pads, nursing pads and massage oils.

Joanne Laurie — England

Joanne Laurie, 34, who lives in London, says she packed a water bottle so she could have water during labour. “I (am) assuming the hospital will have somewhere I can fill it. They must have a water fountain. I am taking that for granted, unlike people in Africa.”

What’s in the bag: Diapers, baby clothes, snacks, her clothes, her towel, toiletries, maternity pads, an iPad, a water bottle and a blanket.

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