my best friend was there for me at my homebirth 12 days ago.
my DH was there too but at our DS's birth he was pretty much useless so i wanted a little more support this time.
TBH all my friend did was just be there, chat to me between contractions, hold my hand when i needed it and stood back when i didnt, she did say, how well i was doing, although was never patronising - and it seemed so much better coming from a woman who has given birth rather than my DH.
she did always offer to leave the room during any exams, although towards the end i just didnt care . she always made sure i was warm enough and comfortable bringing blankets as needed.
she knew what i wanted and made sure that the MW did too so i didnt have anything to worry about.
and in the final stretch she got a hairband and tied my hair back for me, held my sick bucket , held the gas and air when i couldnt, held my hand and was truly fantastic.
she even put my little girls first clothes on as my DH just froze!
its a great thing you are doing and your friend will be forever grateful - i know i am.x