Nothing about Bailey's birth unfolded the way I imagined, yet somehow it became exactly the birth I needed.

After months of preparing for a home birth, I found myself transferring to hospital after a long night of labour, convinced I was failing. What followed was an epidural at 9cm, a baby who had other plans and the most transformative day of my life. This is Bailey's birth story.

Essential Birth Prep: A Guide for Moms-to-Be

Originally written during my first pregnancy and updated after giving birth to my daughter Bailey. These are the birth prep essentials I'd still recommend today.