As a first-time mom, I was drawn to the Labor 101 DVD set because it promised a comprehensive guide to childbirth. The three-disc set includes a DVD and two CDs covering labor stages, relaxation techniques, and real birth footage. After using it for weeks leading up to my delivery, here's my honest take.

The relaxation CD was surprisingly effective - almost too effective! I'd start each practice session determined to master the techniques, only to find myself dozing off within minutes. My husband joked that it was my pregnancy insomnia cure. But when active labor hit, those same breathing exercises became our lifeline. He coached me through contractions like a pro, exactly as we'd practiced.

While the content is informative, the heavy focus on natural childbirth frustrated me. As someone open to medical interventions, I felt sidelined by the program's bias. The footage of serene natural births felt more aspirational than practical when I was facing back-to-back Pitocin-induced contractions.

The production quality stands out - real birth footage and diverse expert interviews make complex concepts accessible. However, don't expect detailed labor coaching like in specialized hypnobirthing classes. This is more about setting expectations than teaching concrete techniques.

Would I recommend it? For first-time parents who can't attend in-person classes, yes - but with caveats. Pair it with other resources if you're considering medicated birth or have a high-risk pregnancy. And maybe keep it handy for those sleepless third-trimester nights!