Hi Kate
I just used books and cd's with dd and stayed perfectly calm through most of labour. unfortunately when i got to the hospital my contractions stopped and dd's heart rate dropped so it was a bit hairy and i forgot everything i'd been practicing. i'm hoping to employ my mum this time as official promtor to make sure i continue with the hyponobirthing breathing etc plus not going to hospital as its too much of a distruption! so to answer your question i dont think going to classes is vital but you need to make sure your birthing partner is on the same wave length.
hth
Bec
