No role for dad, says Minnie

Minnie Driver has revealed that she has no plans to include her baby's father at any time during the birth.

"I'm not married and I don't know if I'll stay with the guy," she told the New York Post.

"My mum and aunt Serena will be with me, as will my best friends, a midwife and a yoga teacher. And I'll be the wailing monster at the centre.

"It's great to be an independent creature. Today you don't need a man any more. In the old days, a baby without marriage and people would put you out. I'm very into feeling this female thing."

She also had an unlikely companion to help her through the early months.

"With this pregnancy I was very sick the first four months. My black Labrador, Bubba, my forever constant loving companion, knew it," Minnie revealed.

"He'd see me lying on the couch. He'd stay with me. He felt for me."

The 38-year-old, who is expecting her first child next month, announced her pregnancy in March on TV, though she has kept mum about the identity of the baby's father - only saying that he's English and in the same business.

"If he wants to come out and talk about it, he's more than welcome to," she said.

"But since he doesn't live his life in the public eye, it's something I want to keep private."