i had a student midwife for both my pregnancies. i didn't invite the student to DDs birth, but did for DS' birth. She helped get DH to start filling the birthpool. Let me know what she thought was happening. i didn't need any obs so she wasn't involved in physical stuff, but she did help me get out of my pants. She also held baby for us when i was not strong enough, and DH had to get some sleep. We still keep in touch now.