Hi, I'm Liz. I'm due Sept. 19 with my first baby -- a boy based on Wed.'s ultrasound. I've been reading along since about 8 weeks and finally have a question!

I'm using a midwife and planning to try for a drug-free delivery. My midwife gave me a bunch of pamphlets at my 20-week appointment about childbirth classes, and my husband and I are a bit at a loss. She recommended against the hospital class because the hospital has a 95% epidural rate and it prepares for when, not if, you get drugs and doesn't spend much time on other comfort measures. The other classes are pricey -- $250-350 -- and last 5-6 weeks. My husband is a physician and knows the process of birth well. My knowledge is based on about 8 books I've been reading, but I'm sure the information would be really useful. Most important to me is spending a lot of time talking about how to get through the delivery and manage pain, then hopefully getting some in-person tips on breastfeeding and the like.

I was wondering what other people did with their first babies or are doing this time around. We're planning on taking the class in July/August. I don't want to overdo, but I really don't want to underprepare either. Thoughts?