Now's a good time to start gathering information on childbirth classes from your local hospital or birthing center to give you and your partner time to decide which class is right for you. Pick a class date that falls in your third trimester so the information will still be fresh in your mind once the big day arrives. While hospital policy will dictate a lot of what's covered in prepared childbirth classes, here's a general idea of what you will experience:

• Commiseration: You'll interact with other pregnant couples and demonstrate that misery (and joy) truly does love company.

• Reality: Through lecture and (in many cases) actual video footage, you'll get the full scoop on what really goes on in labor and delivery.

• Guided tour: If your class is at the birthing center or hospital, you will probably get a tour of the facilities and some basic instructions on when and where to show up when labor hits.

• Teamwork: Your husband, partner, or labor coach will learn more about his or her role in this process, and you may even be given homework to try out techniques at home.

• After-birth instruction: Many classes offer valuable information on breastfeeding basics and baby care. Don't be surprised if the instructor brings in a bag full of baby dolls for practice.

• Seasoned support: Most prepared childbirth classes will be conducted by a trained childbirth educator.

• Paperwork: A lot of literature, brochures, pamphlets, handouts, forms, photocopies, and leaflets will come your way. Bring a bag.

Following are some of the most popular childbirth educational offerings for you to consider as you research your options.

• Lamaze

  While rhythmic breathing exercises are stressed for each stage of labor in Lamaze, helpful laboring and birth positions, relaxation techniques, and pain management are also covered. In addition to massage, water therapy, and hot and cold compresses, you're taught how to focus on a picture or object to diminish your discomfort.

  Lamaze also stresses the empowerment of the mother-to-be and her right to the birth experience and environment she wants.

• Bradley Method

  Denver obstetrician Robert Bradley, MD, was a big advocate of fathers helping their partners through the birth process. Bradley Method classes teach couples how to relax and breathe deeply, but the emphasis is on doing what comes naturally—such as father as coach, proper nutrition during pregnancy, and knowing all the options beforehand. They also emphasize the natural in natural childbirth, suggesting that pain medication be used as a last resort rather than a front-line tool.

• HypnoBirthing

  British doctor and natural childbirth pioneer Grantly Dick-Read, who authored the classic Childbirth Without Fear, is the inspiration behind HypnoBirthing education. Dr. Dick-Read believed that a woman's labor pains were magnified by her fear and anxieties. HypnoBirthing emphasizes slow abdominal breathing and other relaxation techniques that teach you how to focus on the feelings and signals your body sends during labor.

CHILDBIRTH CLASS FOLLOW-UP SHEET

If you are still confused about different types of childbirth classes, call your hospital or birthing center and ask for printed schedules and descriptions of upcoming classes. Once you get a basic feel for what is offered, you can call with follow-up questions. Use the template below to gain as much information as you can.

• What are the instructor's credentials and training?

• What methods are taught in the class?

• What is the typical class size?

• What does the curriculum consist of?

• How much does enrollment cost?

• Are there additional costs beyond the enrollment fee, such as for study materials or learning aids?

• Are there couples that can be contacted as references?

Once you have chosen which class best suits your needs and those of your partner, record information about the class.

When you begin taking labor classes later in your pregnancy, make sure you record notes from class. As you approach the time of labor, you can check back and review the helpful tips and techniques that you learned in childbirth class.