It is not often these days that a woman has to endure her labour on her own (unlike many of our mothers did). To be able to have those close to you present while you labour can help you to feel safe, supported and loved. The degree to which you utilise your support people will be based on your individual needs.
Women generally need support in labour, but 'support' can mean different things to different people. Your needs could range from very hands on support, with touch and massage, to little touching, with verbal encouragement, or simply for the support people to be present (and 'on-call'), but not physically doing much. It is usually a combination of these that change at different stages of the labour, allowing your various needs to be met. Your needs are usually hard to predict, and needs can differ from labour to labour in the same woman. Your support people will look to you for guidance, regarding your preferences.