i did a calmbirth course before DD2s arrival. it was AMAZING!

gave both DH and I so many 'ah ha' moments throughout the learning and well, for the birth it was truly superb! you can read my birth story in my sig, but basically it led to the most amazing birth (because it was joyous and happy, rather than scary and busy ITMS). i found that it was able to totally shut off my concious brain and allow my body to revel in the birth and not be incumbered with pain or the like. amazing!