I've done the Annerly classes and whilst you can read the book, for me its always so much better to have someone there to go through it and teach it to you, same way with any studying. Also you can ask any questions you have plus hear those of other people which you may not have thought of. The classes were really great, only 6 couples, so quite initmate. Important for the hubby to attend also! They show you people giving birth each week - this was a little hard at first to watch but gets easier. Especially when you can see that they are calm and it can be done!