I think it depends on your children and also what you know you need when you're in labour. I only have one, who will be turning 5 around the time this baby is due. She was born at home and we've always talked about birth. She knows what happens. She's been watching birth videos since she was probably 3 and she is fascinated by them. She's also very quiet and generally listens well, so I know if I need some space, she would happily go do something else and leave me to it. I also personally prefer to be alone and I didn't need much support from my husband at all when I had her, so he'll generally be with her and I'll get on with it by myself and then with the midwives when I need them. For us, that works well because I'm much happier to have her here than somewhere else. The main problem is just what to do if I need to transfer because we don't have anyone close by who could easily take her. Our closest family is 1.5 hours away and our closest friends are probably 30 minutes to an hour away, but they work full-time, so they aren't available just anytime. Mostly, she's with us out of necessity, but also because she wants to be. She's genuinely interested and my husband will be there to support her and make sure I have quiet time when I need it. What we did to prepare her was just read lots of books (Hello Baby is great) and watch birth videos and talk about what would happen. I think her personality suits it as she is genuinely really curious and at the right age. I think it would have been more difficult when she was say, 2, than it is at 4 or 5. Personally, I don't want anyone else there (I had a doula last time and even she was one person too many and I felt annoyed that there were so many people in my house), but would you have someone who would be able to come and help while you were labouring in case you need it?