A: Childbirth classes are meant as an educational event. They help you prepare for the big day and learn some techniques for dealing with early labor while at home. The classes are time consuming and, at times, boring. However, they do offer important practical advice on coping with labor pain at home, indoctrinate you on what to expect when you arrive at the hospital, and provide a secure environment to ask questions. And it is nice to see other couples going through the same experience and listening to their issues. Some classes offer helpful hints on nursing or newborn baby care as part of the program.

If you are not going to go to classes, I suggest taking a tour of the maternity center where you will be delivering, and familiarizing yourself with the reasons to contact your doctor in labor. In truth, most labor and delivery nurses will teach you all you need to know about labor in 10 minutes! Good luck.