[MaryJane]

Katie Holmes has allegedly asked Victoria Beckham to be her birthing partner.

The screen beauty - who is expecting her first baby with fiance Tom Cruise this year - reportedly wants the former Spice Girl to be by her side when she goes into labour.

A source told Britain's Grazia magazine: "Victoria and Katie have struck a real rapport ever since they were introduced by Tom and both of them are thrilled by the friendship. Victoria has become something of a mother hen to Katie, so when she was asked if she would be with her during the birth, she said yes straight away."

Because the pair live in different countries - mum-of-three Victoria lives in Spain, while Katie lives in the US - they are spending time on the phone preparing for the birth.

The source added: "Twice a week they both set aside half an hour to chat about the impending birth and any worried Katie might have. Sometimes they even practise breathing exercises over the phone."

femalefirst.co.uk