Mother and child from Ethiopia received a birthing kitBaby showers are a fun way to celebrate the impending birth of a baby, with the gathering of friends and family to spoil both mum and baby-to be, and of course to help the expectant mum prepare for her new arrival.

But what about baby number two?  What’s the etiquette? Is it OK to throw another shower?  Is it right?  Whilst the baby shower has become popular, the reality is that most mums have everything they need by the time number two comes along.   

Ali, pregnant with her second child, felt exactly like this.  She didn’t want or need more baby gear or another baby shower, but having experienced a difficult first pregnancy and complications at birth, she really wanted to give back in some way.  So she decided to throw a shower with a social conscience.  She chose to give back by asking family and friends to donate to Birthing Kit Foundation Australia and to host an Assembly Day putting Birthing Kits together for women in developing communities. 

Birthing Kit Foundation Australia raises money to send $3 Birthing Kits to women living in remote and vulnerable communities.

Birthing kits from Birthing Kit Foundation Australia

The kit is small enough to fit into a handbag and includes 6 basic items to help the mother give birth:

  • a birthing sheet
  • a pair of gloves
  • a little piece of soap
  • gauze
  • string
  • a scalpel blade.

It’s now estimated that 300,000 women and 3.3 million newborns still die each year, from complications relating to childbirth or pregnancy.  It is no surprise that the majority of these are in developing countries. These are women giving birth at home, often in unhygienic conditions, with no medical support. Infection all too often has a deadly impact and results in the loss of too many women and their babies. It’s a sobering thought. And these kits offer the opportunity of a safe and clean birth.

More and more expectant parents are choosing an Assembly Day, in place of a traditional baby shower and it’s simple. Instead of a baby gift, a donation is made to the cause and a group of friends and family get together for a hands on and empowering experience.

Ali shares her Birthing Kit Baby Shower Party here

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The Bub Hub is proud to support the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia).

If you’re interested in hosting your own Assembly Day instead of a Baby Shower, head to www.bkfa.org.au find out more.

Main photo credit: Christof Krackhardt

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