We have a lab x and a cat and have had 2 homebirths....furbabies can be awesome company during this special time. i have found that having the babies at home really helped the dog and cat adjust much better to the new baby (my first was in hossy and the dog was quite anxious when we brought home the baby...she was really concerned that i wouldnt be able to take care of the baby ).

I recommend setting up some rules for the dog now that you would like to maintain throughout the birth and with new baby (ie, no sleeping on the bed...if you are cosleeping), set up the birth space around a month before bubs is due and introduce the dog to the area but do not let them be the 'boss' of the space (ie no jumping on couches, only allowed in when invited).

When i did go into labour i put the dog and cat outside in the beginning as i found that they both wanted to just hang out by my side and fret...which in early labour was AOK, but as i went further into labour it became a bit annoying lol. Also, when the midwife arrives you dont want a big barking exuberant chunk of labrador love hurtling through the house towards the front door (especially if it is midnight lol).

we then brought the dog back in within minutes of birth and she would have a sniff and a celebration and then be on her way.

It's all good! And lovely to share the moment with them!