Childbirth classes - yes or no?

So, I've procrastinated long enough on registering for baby care/childbirth classes and was making myself look through everything this morning. And I have to admit, I'm totally on the fence. We will absolutely take the Infant CPR class, that's a given. But other than that, I feel like the other classes I'm pondering (at Is.is Mate.rnity in Boston) seem a little goofy/useless, especially for a 39-year-old who has alot of young nieces and nephews. It's not like I'm unfamiliar with babies, though I know it's a whole different enchilada when it's your own and you're the primary caregivers.

The other classes I'm waffling on are: Childbirth, Breastfeeding Basics and Newborn Essentials. By far the childbirth is the most expensive at $179 while the other two are a more reasonable $59. Anyone have any opinions on the usefulness of these classes? I feel almost guilted into taking Childbirth, what first time mom doesn't take a childbirth class? But I'm not sure about the other two - are they redundant as to what the hospital will cover? Are they common sense?

The main reason I'd even consider all of them is that we have Flexible Spending money to burn -- we're in a plan that doesn't allow carrying over to next year and we put in more than we've needed in anticipation of doing donor eggs this spring, as we had to make the contribution decision last November. Looking back at that, you can see how optimistic (not!) I was about my December IVF being successful ;).

I had been under the impression that FSA covered newborn basics like diapers and formula, as well as vitamins for NoodleGuy and me, so putting in a chunk of dinero didn't seem risky. But no such luck, serves us right for not reading up on it earlier. So, taking some childbirth classes would spend some of that money, which is silly, but I'd rather spend it than let the evil corporations just eat our money. Neither NoodleGuy nor I wear glasses, otherwise we could go on a designer glasses/sunglasses spree! ;)

One annoying note from my OB, who is usually a total sweetheart and very kind, was during this which-classes-to-take discussion, she suggested a hospital tour. I had already pretty much decided in my mind that I thought it was a waste since I'm familiar with the hospital but asked her what the tour encompassed. And she ran through the basics: knowing how to get there, where to park, where to register, what the L&D floor looks like. And I kind of looked at her for a couple of seconds, dumbfounded, and said "I actually am kind of pro at that, I've had two miscarriages and D&Es ." Hello?! I'm horrifyingly familiar with where to park for the "Angel Valet" (aka Dead Baby Sympathy Valet, which is the same as the birth valet except it's free) and I've seen more of L&D, since it's right next to the D&E surgery area, than any other first time mom should. She looked a little taken aback that she had walked into that one and kindly said "Of course, of course, only do it if you'd like to see it from a different perspective.". Irritating but she really is one of the nicest people I've ever met, so she's forgiven ;).

Anyhoo, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the variety of classes and what was worthwhile!