What’s in a clean birth kit? This little headline at the top of page 11, of the May 5, 2013 Deseret News, caught my attention. 57 million women worldwide give birth without the help of a trained helper according to the World Health Organization. Often women give birth on the dirt floors of their homes. Women and children die from the infections contracted from unsanitary births.
Here’s what’s in a $2 clean birth kit:
. Small piece of soap [for the birth attendant to wash her hands.]
. One pair of plastic gloves [for the birth attendant to wear.]
. Five Squares of gause [to wipe the mother’s perenium and baby’s eyes.]
. One sharp blade [to cut the cord.]
. Three pieces of string about 10" long [two for tying the cord, one “just in case.”]
. One plastic sheet, approximately 1-yard square [for clean birthing surface.]
. One sandwich ziplock bag [to pack the contents.]
That’s it! No soft blanket. No diapers, or diaper rash cream. No onsies. No cap. No socks. Nothing else.
I kept thinking about recent births in our family. We are so blessed! And they need so little! [See Family Reunion ideas on my Pinterest page]
Pre-assembled kits can be sent to: Adriel Brooker, Bloggers for Birth Kits, PO Box 6221, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia. Consult the web page at themommyhoodmemos.com/2012/08 /bloggers-for-birth-kits-faq United Nations Population Fund and Worldwide Healing Hands are two more groups who can forward clean birthing kits.
