Are parenting classes effective?

Hello everyone,
My wife is pregnant and will give birth in a few months. Since I have no experience, so I want to join a parenting class. But I don't know if those classes were effective? So I want to ask everyone to give me more advice.
Thanks everyone.

As this is a forum to discuss gifted issues I will limit my response to parenting gifted children. As gifted children can be INTENSE and reach developmental milestones earlier than typical children, it is helpful to be aware of these differences.

Links:
- recent post with roundup of developmental milestones,
- book by James T Webb, et al - A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children,
- SMPG (SENG Model Parent Group) parenting classes based on "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children,"
- book by James T Webb, et al - Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses,
- SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) conferences, online support, library of articles, and more.
- Davidson Database, article: "Tips for Parents: Gifted Children's Friendships"

As with ANY class or autodidactic learning experience, the ultimate "effectiveness" is generally a combination of:
- what is being taught/presented,
- what one wishes to learn,
- the amount of effort one is willing to put forth.

I'm not aware of any classes parenting gifted kids. Care to share?

inb4 banned from the forum