How important are birth classes?

No112thman

Good news:  My wife and I hit the 3rd Tri today with our first (it's a boy) with insane excitement.  

Bad news: Things are super tight financially for us at the moment as I try to wrap up school.  Great timing I know, but it is what it is.  

If we aren't able to afford birth classes or aren't able to secure a spot in a class (if some how find extra cash) before our boy comes, how screwed are we...or am I, going to be preparedness wise?

Thanks for reading!