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OTHER BENEFITS TO CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
So, even if you know without a doubt that you want an epidural, I would suggest that childbirth education is important for you. In addition to the reasons stated above, there are other benefits that you'll gain from childbirth education. For example:

It helps with informed consent: An important part of informed consent is the transfer of information. This is often difficult to do properly when a woman is in the midst of painful labor contractions. Classes give you more time for this information transfer, help you to think about the issues in an organized and non-pressured environment. In short, they help to make you more informed - the first important part of informed consent.

Classes help with the "fear factor": Many people make decisions about medical care based on fear. This is perfectly normal - for example, I would say that most people are afraid of pain. I am not saying that this a fault or a weakness - indeed, a big part of what an anesthesiologist does is related to this fear. However, it is important to consider this natural fear in light of the facts of risks, benefits, options, etc. Classes help to change decisions based on fear to decisions based on information. While you might make the same choice in the end, you'll be more satisfied with your choice if you've had the chance to think about it and not just react.

You'll be more in control: Knowing what is going to happen, hearing what your options are and playing a role in making decisions about your own medical care are important to a patient's feeling of "being in control" of their situation. Having the facts helps in making the right decision. Labor and delivery can be a time when a lot of decisions are required in a short amount of time and again, it can be a difficult time to transmit a large amount of information. It helps a lot if you've heard the facts in advance.

Classes have been shown to increase satisfaction: Studies have shown that women who take childbirth education classes have better experiences during labor and delivery than women who do not attend classes. As an anesthesiologist, I welcome anything that will help increase satisfaction with the anesthesia - and education has been shown to do that.