As for baby care, neither of us had much experience, but the nurses at the hospital after the birth were so helpful (different hospital than birthing classes). My husband asked tons of questions and everyone was really helpful. They were also very helpful with breastfeeding. It seems like that is something that can't really be taught before you have the baby.

The hospital classes we signed up for were free, so maybe if they were paid, they would be better. I have to say I don't regret quitting at all, and my 5 month old daughter is doing just great.

I think the best thing I learned from the classes was that no one way is right or wrong. Something different works for each family … bottle or breast, to swaddle or not, carseat types, different cribs types, etc.

Our instructor was a nurse turned doctor (OB/GYN) who was now retired. Her advice was to relax and try to enjoy the journey. Her opinion was that so many women are trying to control every aspect of the birth and they forget to just be in the moment. Nature will take it's course and every birth will take it's own path. She also advised that your birth plan be no more than "Baby and mom are safe and healthy".

Neither of us have had much experience with babies, so for us we got a lot out of them. I liked the baby care class because we learned things like how to take care of the umbilicord stump, which I never even really thought about before.

I have a friend who skipped the birth class and watched the "Laugh and Learn About Childbirth" DVD. I have the DVD but haven't watched it. She was planning on having an epidural and felt that was all she needed. As for me, I'm hoping to go as drug/intervention free as possible so I found the class valuable for the various breathing and coping techniques the instructor (who is also a doula) taught us.

But in my opinion, the best class that we took was the CPR class – I've asked my parents to take it since they'll be spending a lot of time with baby as well. I think being as prepared as possible for possible emergencies is priceless!

Since the baby isn't here yet I can't report back on how much I was actually able to put to use but they seem like a good thing if you can swing it financially. If not I think there are a lot of other great resources out there in the form of books, DVDs, La Leche League meetings, etc. 🙂

DH on the other hand, has 3 nieces and nephews, and never once babysat, nor changed a diaper, so for him at least, he WILL need it….and I'd highly recommend for your DH as well since he's had minimal time with kids.

Although people say it comes natural…I'm just the type of person (seems you are too from your posts) that you like to plan and be the best prepared you can be….so if you can afford it, I would take the classes.

As Melissa even says, she is still friendly with the people from the class which is good because you can plan playdates and the such.

Now I want to have a baby 🙂 lol

For us, the birth class was worth it. We took a 6 week class, about $400 for us. We were able to use FSA dollars for it. We still get in touch with the friends we made from the birth class (my baby is already 14 months old). My goal with the birth was to have a less invasive birth and no C-section. I didn't want a C-section since those take longer to recover from and I want to have 3 kids. If you have a C-section on the first birth, some hospitals won't let you for for a VBAC. So it was important to me to have a vaginal birth if possible. I think the birth class definitely helped with that.

CPR class – I guess it was worth it. Haven't had to use it and hope to never need to use it.

Baby care class – not worth it. But helpful if you freak out at little things.