Hi SaraJane
This visiting thing can be a real problem. You know that your family and friend are going to want to meet your baby as soon as it is born, however you also know that you are really going to need your sleep and lots of special time with your baby and your partner.
What I normally do is, prior to mum giving birth I tell her that I am happy to prevent anyone visiting her or just limiting how long people can stay if they do visit. By doing this it is the nasty midwife that wont let people visit and not the new mum preventing family and/or friends from visiting.

Perhaps you could have a chat with the midwives and see if they are willing to do something like this for you