Gwyneth, Madonna and giving birth.

Mum-to-be Gwyneth Paltrow has installed a birthing pool at her home in London. The Oscar-winning actress, who plans to have her baby at home rather than in a hospital, is determined that her new arrival will be a water-baby.

Gwyneth, who recently married Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, has also been visiting St John and St Elizabeth Hospital, which offers alternative approaches to delivery. The institution has been the choice of quite a few celebrity mums, including Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.

Water births aim to diminish pain and make labour more comfortable. And just in case she happens to be on the other side of the pond when the baby makes its appearance, Gwyn has also installed a pool at her mother’s home in Los Angeles.

The actress’ patience with the constant attention of her famous friends is apparently wearing thin, however. According to news reports in the US, she told pal Madonna to back off after receiving a series of phone calls from the singer. Indeed it would seem the 31-year-old is more comfortable giving advice than receiving it, having apparently started to give acting lessons to Kate Moss.

Gwyneth Paltrow by Mario Testino

Source: Hello Magazine