Childbirth classes??

So what do you guys think about childbirth classes? Are they worth taking or do you think you can learn just as much about relaxation techniques and labor through videos and books? We had originally decided not to do the classes and recently decided we would. Now, however, I've watched several videos and read more and feel like I'm learning more all the time about what to expect and how to handle it and I'm not so sure a class will change that. I have the sources for the most part, its just a matter of practicing the techniques now. The one thing I want to make sure we DO though is take a tour of the labor/delivery floor at the hospital we'll be at so we know what to expect when we get there and know where to go and all that fun stuff.

I do plan to get an epidural...that's one thing that I don't want to kid myself about. A relative of mine is an anesthesiologist for labor/delivery and has provided me with information about it that has made me feel pretty confident with it. I will of course want to hear more about it from my own doctor as it gets closer to the time, but its nice to have an idea of what I want now. My family has had a history of C-sections, but I'm hoping I can do this without having to resort to that. We will see how things go though!

There are a few things I still want to learn about though when it comes to labor/delivery, but I have time to read up and watch more videos. In the clinic on base they have DVDs we can rent about labor/delivery which may be helpful. One thing I REFUSE to do though is actually watch a baby being born from the view of the doctor or whoever can see it. I know its messy and it will only scare me more to see the actual birth. I'd prefer no mirrors during my child's birth or videos being taken, etc. I just want to focus on my breathing and pushing and not worry about what's going on "down there" if you know what I mean!

So anyway, what are your thoughts on the childbirth classes? Especially for those of you who have taken them already. Are they SO helpful that you don't think you can learn about it on your own through DVDs and books OR do you think as long as you have various relaxation techniques down for labor and know what to expect and what labor signs to watch for that would be enough?

So far I've been to a class called Bundles for Babies on the base, but it was a variety of stuff and focused more on finances and enrolling your baby in DEERS/Tricare. We only focused on actual newborn care for the first 45 minutes (mainly swaddling/calming a crying baby). We have another class next week that focuses just on newborn care which I think will be especially helpful. I'm really looking forward to it. Another class I MAY enroll in is a breastfeeding class...but that's only if its offered on base. I was told they didn't offer it on base anymore, but at the class on Tuesday they said they did so we'll see!