I had one with DS1 and it was great having a bit of extra support, especially as I had no family here. However I was a little sad when we didn't catch up postnatally but she was close to qualifying and I think life just got in the way. She does remember me now when we bump into each other at her work where I sometimes do placement.

Now I am a student midwife and I let the woman guide me as to my involvement. One I still catch up with over 6 months later and we have become good friends, others I barely see once the birth and immediate post birth period is over. All women so far have wanted me at the births, one did want me there but wanted me to stay away for most of the labour so I spent most of the time in another room respecting her need for privacy to labour. I would obviously recommend having a student but clearly I am a little bias now