Depending on today's viewpoint, the light or the fire at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter. In three months you will be witnessing your child's first breath in this world. Although your partner will be doing the grunt work, you'll need to start studying your role in this final drama as (1) a shoulder to lean on; (2) a forgiving target to vent at; and (3) head cheerleader.

About Childbirth Classes

If you are the type who thrives on clear instructions and routine, you might find the idea of childbirth class a port in the pregnancy storm. “Woo hoo!” you think. “At last someone is going to tell me what to do.” Well, not quite. Yes, you will be taught techniques you can use to help your partner through labor and delivery, and you'll learn in graphic detail just how that baby is going to get from point A to point B. But you aren't receiving any step-by-step instructions or checklists that are money-back guaranteed to get you from the first contraction to “It's a boy/girl!”Labor and delivery are not a math problem or a computer program. Your best preparation is to be ready for the unexpected.

Don't think of class as…well, class, either. It is an educational experience, although you aren't being graded on your performance. In other words, if academics are not your strong suit, chapter 14: Month seven you don't need to be in a panic. The only background you need to succeed in childbirth class is a willingness to learn and listen — and a pregnant partner. There will be no pop quizzes there.

Second, third, or fourth time around? There are benefits to taking a childbirth class for even the most experienced parents. If there's something new under the sun in labor and delivery, class is the place to learn about it. Many facilities also offer special brush-up courses for veterans of the pregnancy wars.

Putting on the Coach's Hat

Coaching lesson number one: Think little league, not major league baseball. Coaching means being supportive, helping your “rookie” learn the game of birth as she progresses through labor, giving her the tools she needs to get through the rough spots, and — above all — providing positive reinforcement and encouragement.

You likely don't need to be told this, but barking orders at your partner (assuming you would have the seriously misguided courage to do so) will get you nowhere but kicked out of the labor room. (You'll learn much more about your role as coach in prepared childbirth class, but you might want to turn ahead to Chapter 18 for a preview now.)