Britain's Grazia magazine reports that Katie Holmes has asked former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham to be with her during the birth of her love child (sans medication) with Tom Cruise.

"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 worries Katie might have.

"Sometimes they even practise breathing exercises over the phone."

It's most definitely an odd pairing since Beckham is a living testament to the marvels of modern medicine of the plastic variety, and Holmes is a convert to Scientology's wacky medical theories...