Minnie Driver braced for life as single mum

London, July 25 : So what if her baby's un-named father is not by her side? Eight-months-pregnant Minnie Driver is more than happy to welcome her first child all alone as she prepares for her most important role yet - single mother.

Based in Los Angeles, Minnie revealed her pregnancy on a chat show in March but insisted on keeping the name of her baby's father a secret, only revealing that he is English and works in show biz.

The 'Good Will Hunting' star said that the mystery man won't even be present when she will be going through labour.

"I'm not married and I don't know if I'll stay with the guy. If he wants to come out and talk about it, he's more than welcome to. But since he doesn't live his life in the public eye, it's something I want to keep private," The Daily Express quoted her, as saying.

She added: "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."

In fact, she's least bothered about the fact that her baby will be growing up without having a father around.

Minnie, who discovered a previous relationship with actor Matt Damon had ended when he announced the split on Oprah Winfrey's show, said: "It's great to be an independent creature. Today you don't need a man any more. In the old days, [have] a baby without marriage and people would put you out. Today you speak about it on talk shows. I'm very into feeling this female thing."

While lonely spells just another word for Minnie, she said that her dog has been her comfort through difficult times.

"With this pregnancy I was very sick the first four months," she explains.

"My black labrador Bubba, my constant loving companion, knew it. He'd see me lying on the couch. He'd stay with me. He felt for me."

ANI