Minnie Driver: Baby's father won't be in delivery room

In a new interview with Cindy Adams of the NY Post, Minnie Driver revealed a slew of new details about the baby she’s expecting in late August. In keeping with her love of all things traditional, Minnie said that if her delivery surprise turns out to be a boy, he’ll be named Thomas; if it’s a girl, she’ll be named Isabel. Speaking of names, the baby’s father — who Minnie is yet to identify publicly — won’t be present at the birth of their child.  Instead, Minnie says she’ll be bringing along her mom, her aunt, her best friends, a midwife and a yoga teacher — and she’ll be "the wailing monster at the center." Adds Minnie,

I’m not married and don’t know if I’ll stay with the guy. It’s great to be an independent creature. Today you don’t need a man anymore. In the old days, a baby without marriage and people would put you out. Today you speak about it on talk shows.

The 38-year-old actress also revealed that she’s decorated "neutral, peaceful" nurseries for her baby in both her homes, and that although she intends to hire a nanny she also intends to be "a hands-on mommy." As she enters the final stretch of her pregnancy, Minnie says she’s "feeling fit" and "keeping athletic" thanks to frequent walks along the beach in Malibu with her "forever, constant, loving" companion Bubba; a black lab, Bubba was particularly sympathetic during the first four months of her pregnancy when she battled morning sickness, Minnie says. She adds,

I always wanted to be a mommy. I’m very into feeling this female thing. 

Source: NY Post; Photo by BauerGriffinOnline.com.   

Who did you have in your delivery room?

Comments

I absolutely LOVE her attitude towards motherhood and life in general!

- tink1217 on July 15th, 2008

So much for being traditional.

“I’m not married and I don’t know if I’ll stay with the guy…”

Sorry, but I don’t think a father/boyfriend actually exist. The British press would have found him by now.

- SJ on July 15th, 2008

Her comments seem to always come off as either condescending/judgmental or offensive.

- Lilly on July 15th, 2008

well if her and her man weren’t on the brink of a breakup before, they probably are after he read that she doesn’t know if she stay with “the guy.”

and while i understand what she means by not needing a guy, i think she’s both completely wrong and in for a big surprise. she might not “need a guy” financially, but she’ll need a guy for the tough times in raising a child, and also for the joy and satisfaction of having and raising a child with someone. but the biggest thing is that kids need their dads (ever hear of “daddy issues”?). i’m not saying that the father wouldn’t be present even if they aren’t together, but it just makes for a less-than-desirable and more complicated situation.

but to each their own. i just happen to think she’s wrong in being so callous about it.

- alexp on July 15th, 2008

hmmm interesting. unless the father of the baby was essentially a sperm donor, i feel bad that he’s not going to witness the birth of his child (though perhaps he prefers not to be there of course).

also, i guess i am a little old-fashioned, but i do think it would be preferable for a child to have access to both parents (exceptions of course!!!!). now, i do know AMAZING single parents and of course there are all sorts of reasons to be a single parent, but it seems like minnie is almost saying she doesn’t want the father around at all even though they are apparently still a couple (or “together”, however you want to call it).

not sure if i am making sense at all, but i guess her comment just seemed kind of odd to me.

- MB on July 15th, 2008

I think that comment about the father is sad. I am guessing she probably isn’t with him because I am so in love with my fiance and would want to experience every bit of pregnancy, child birth and raising a baby with him. If you love someone why would you say I don’t know if I will always be with him? I am not trying to be judgmental but I just find the comment a bit rude and sad.

- Bren on July 15th, 2008

Minnie you might say she doesn’t need a man, but I’m sure if she had a caring and wonderful partner, she would sing a different tune.

- Pearl on July 15th, 2008

Wow, that just seems a bit weird. So, it sounds like she’s bringing everyone she knows and their brothers to be in the delivery room with her, but not the kids father? He doesn’t deserve to be there?

I don’t care if you are with him or not, that sounds like an silly thing to do.

- T on July 15th, 2008

I love her attitude and completely agree with her. Babies need love. Period. It doesn’t necessarily have to be biological! (I wish she would go with something over than isabel though – so common right now!)

- brannon on July 15th, 2008

Good for her!

Anyone else think there is no real father and maybe it’s a sperm donor? I don’t think ther is anything wrong with that at all – I applaud her.

- Michelle on July 15th, 2008

Reading the comments here…so much for being non-judgemental.

I think her view is great. Some women would hide and not say anything about any of it…she’s out there, proud that she’s bringing a life into the world. If she believes she can do it, then she can! My best friend was raised by a single mother and is the smartest, most successful, independent woman I know. It can be done.

She’s always seemed like a cool lady and I’m sure her kid will grow up in a loving home!

- Erin on July 15th, 2008

I disagree with the comment regarding Minnie being “completely wrong” about not needing a man to raise a child with and that “all kids need dads”. i think it’s heterosexist and slightly homophobic to say that you need a man to raise a child with and not simply a partner or no one at all. There are plenty of loving parents in this world who are not heterosexual or in a relationship raising beautiful, accepting, well-rounded children and your comment reflects intolerant beliefs about the structure of the family.

Second of all I believe that if Minnie feels like she’s independent and secure enough in her own womanhood to raise a child alone i say good for her i’m sure that child will grow up loved with or without male influence.

Finally, i hate to break it to you but most everyone that i know that has “daddy issues” (including myself!) are from father’s who were in the picture and screwed up by doing their child or their child’s mother wrong at some point in their lives. I’m not screwed up from lack of father I’m screwed up because of my father’s behavior during my childhood. So there’s that.

- Chloe on July 15th, 2008

I do love Minnie’s honesty–and before we all go jumping down her throat, did we ever consider maybe the father of this baby wants it that way–we don’t know what’s going on between them–and the way I read it, all Minnie is focusing on is how she can give her child the best life and the most love–which is exactly how it should be…

- Megan on July 15th, 2008

Maybe the guy is in jail? I don’t know I can’t figure it out either.

- Ivey on July 15th, 2008

I think I am confusing her for another celeb. I know you all will know the answer!. There is another celeb who is pregnant and not married, she hasnt publically said who the father is. A month or so ago, might of been longer…lol she was out with her bf/finance son getting ice cream or something. I saw the pic on this site, but I cant remember who the celeb was, but i thought it was her.

anyways, i think she will be a great mom!

steph

- steph on July 15th, 2008

I cant see how someone would find her comment and view great. i think is sad. Not because I dont believe a women can live without a partner and raise a child and be happy, but because I think she is lying about the whole thing. Sad for her.

- xena on July 15th, 2008

I agree Erin. I don’t see anything wrong with what she said. Not all families have a mother and father and they are still a loving family. It seems like lately that some people here have been attacking Minnie for anything she says. She could say something really simple and some people would be upset about that.

- Renee on July 15th, 2008

If there is a father and not just a sperm donor, I hope if he wants to be part of his baby’s life, I hope he gets an attorney to ensure his parental rights because it sounds like Minnie isn’t giving him a chance.

- Beverley on July 15th, 2008

yep. bringing an attorney into it will definitely be best for baby. seriously?

they have obviously worked something out that they are happy with – leave them alone. i know i already posted but it drives me crazy when people presume to know what’s best for someone else’s child. i also agree with the person who said “daddy issues” occur more from having bad ones then from not having them at all! let’s just be happy baby driver has a wonderful, strong mother who is excited for his/her birth. … one more thing, don’t forget that even married/involved couples don’t always share the birthing experience. my father did not witness any of his 4 children’s birth – a decision on his part and my mom/step-moms. i am in a very committed relationship and my partner already knows that IF we ever had a baby, he would not be in the delivery room. he’s fine with it and so am i – to each their own!

- brannon on July 15th, 2008

I’m sorry that I can’t cite the exact research, but I know I’ve read/heard articles/studies showing that not having a father in one’s life is detrimental. That’s not to say that all fatherless (in whatever sense) children are going to be hopelessly “messed up”, or that there aren’t some cases where the children are probably better off without the dad (e.g. if the dad is abusive, or drug addicted, etc.), or that there are even situations where it can’t be helped (e.g. death, illness, military service, etc..) I’m not saying that Minnie or other single moms aren’t capable of loving and caring for their children, just that kids miss out on a lot when they can’t interact with their father (biological or not), and it’s a lot harder for the moms! That’s just the way it is!

- Shelby on July 15th, 2008

Regardless of her feelings, this baby does have a father and speaking as one who was born in a similar situation, you will always have questions and wonder. Now granted the father may not want to be involved but I feel for that baby. I also have a problem with her being so “public” in her comments regarding the father. It is her baby’s father and her comments are already being taken in an offensive manner by some and I’m sure she doesn’t mean to sound this way but she should just focus on the baby and let the comments about the baby’s father be kept private so that it won’t someday be something that she regrets.

- Robin on July 15th, 2008

She seems to be milking as much publicity out of this pregnancy as is humanly possible.

Ewan McGregor once said about her that she’d go to the opening of an envelope. I think he was right.

- Kate on July 15th, 2008

steph, there was such a picture of minnie but she said the man was just a friend and the boy was his son.

brannon, that was a little judgemental too. we don’t know if the father is ok with it. maybe he’s not and wants to be involved? maybe it would be good for the baby to have an involved father?

as you and many other posters pointed out, we don’t really know anything. maybe there is no father to speak of. maybe the father doesn’t want to be present for the birth. but, maybe they broke up and he wants to be involved. we just don’t know.

- MB on July 15th, 2008

I agree that a woman doesn’t need a man to be happy or to raise a healthy and happy child, but I believe every child deserves a chance to know their father and every man deserves a chance to be a good father. Since this pregnancy was a surprise, clearly the father is not just a sperm donor and it appears they are still together (she says she doesn’t know if they will stay together, so that implies that they are still together), so i think it is weird that he won’t be in the delivery room or seemingly involved with the baby’s life. There’s independence and then there’s excluding the father. I have a friend who is excluding the father, not because he’s a bad father (she never gave him the chance to be good or bad), but because she wants control and situations like this worry me. Now if it comes out that all of this was his decision, ignore everything i said =)

- K on July 15th, 2008

chloe – my statement was in no way directed towards homosexual couples (but since you mentioned it i do think that an optimal situation is to have a *good* mother and a *good* father. i agree that kids with bad fathers or mothers can have issues as well, which probably has the same effect as absent fathers. but in some situations, such as with orphaned children, ect., i do think it would be better for them to have two same sex parents or a single parent than no parent at all).

my comments, however, were simply referring to minnie’s attitudes that seemed to insinuate that being a single parent was every bit as desirable as being in a *healthy* two-parent relationship. and i stand by that. because i think it’s correct. but of course, i was speaking in general terms, and for every rule, there is an exception, but it seems like a lot of people tend to obsess over the exceptions when they are just that…EXCEPTIONS.

- alexp on July 15th, 2008

good for her!
cute, normal names and a confident, independent woman!
it’s refreshing

- kmb on July 15th, 2008

MB thanks! I knew it was her but then I was doubting myself…lol.

steph

- steph on July 15th, 2008

I agree with SJ. I don’t think a boyfriend exists. She probably got artificially inseminated and is keeping it a secret. Or she probably didn’t even tell the father that he’s the father.

If this “guy” is her boyfriend he would insist in being there for the delivery of his child.

She’s keeping a secret and I don’t think it’s her boyfriend but the boyfriend she doesn’t have.

- Lisa on July 15th, 2008

mb – i will not agree that my comments are judgemental; however, i am guilty of making the assumption that — based on Minnie’s own statements that the fathers name will be kept private out of respect for his wishes – his request – that she is also being respectful of his other wishes as well. my point was simply that she seems happy with her decision and I think she should be supported. I understand that for some people this is not an ideal situation – but it doesn’t mean that everybody should have to feel that way.

for those citing “research” — as someone who does extensive family research and has been published in such — i will also admit that research can pretty much say anything you want it to- and does all the research really shows is that any child who is loved will be fine – it doesn’t matter who actually loving them and for whomever said a child with no parents would be better off with a single parent or same-sex parent — given a mother/father situation is not available – wow. guess all of our research is necessary after all. good parents are good parents – single, gay, partners, married, etc – there is no ranking, no best and most importantly, no “better than nothing” when it comes to loving a child.

- brannon on July 15th, 2008

I think if there is a man involved who wants to see their child, and would be a good parent, it’d be great if he is involved, and she lets him be involved. I hope she’s not taking this independence thing so far that she’s actually keeping a father, who wants to be involved, out of the loop. If he doesn’t want to be involved, that’s a shame.

But she and single parents can certainly parent their children lovingly. Some parents should be kept away from their children. Believe me, I worked at a prosecutor’s office for five years, and have seen many bad situations. As for a ” mom and dad” perfect scenario….. Face it, heterosexual couples aren’t perfect and certainly screw up kids. Having a dad and mom doesn’t equal perfect childhood. That said, I do think female children of gay couples need a female figure in life, and male children of lesbian parents need a male figure in life. There are just some things that they are more comfortable talking about, etc., with someone of their own gender. And I know plenty of same-sex couples who have successfully created that scenario for their children. e i.e., an “aunt” or an “uncle.”

Personally, as for Minnie’s situation, I’m starting myself to lean towards the sperm donor theory. She has not been shown to be dating at all recently, and all of a sudden she’s pregnant. Maybe it was a one night stand thing with someone, who knows. That might explain a lot. But then again, no one (media) was really paying attention to her until she got pregnant. She’s not really an A-list star, so she could have been dating and it was just not in the news.

- carie on July 15th, 2008

Chloe, I have to respectfully strongly disagree with you. I have a terrible father. He could be a great father when he chose to but he had gambling and drug problems and we walked on eggshells around him. He’s been in prison twice and I haven’t spoken to him in 7 months because he has chosen to take himself out of my life. But he’s my father! And I can’t say I would be better without him. He has taught me things I would never had learned without him.

I’m on the side where there may never had been a boyfriend or this said boyfriend really doesn’t want any part of the child’s life. OR, they just are having problems and know it’s not going to work out. We have no idea, really. She’s been very mum on him.

Anyway, I like Minnie and she’s been beautiful throughout this pregnancy. I really hope if Minnie and her boyfriend break up, she will still allow the child to be part of his life, if he wants it.

OK, ending my longest post EVER!

- Stephany on July 15th, 2008

My sister is currently working on providing a third “father figure” for her three kids, the oldest of which is only 8. Three fathers in 8 years? Quite frankly, I think they would be better of if the only “father figure” in their lives were their grandfather and uncles. I beleive that children need positive male and female role models but those do not always need to come in the form of a “mother” or “father.”

- finnaryn on July 15th, 2008

fair enough, brannon and, i totally agree with you as to your research comments. i do research and i know how easy it can be for researchers to be…selective…in what they write.

- MB on July 15th, 2008

She may not need a man but the baby will need a father.

- nosoupforyou on July 15th, 2008

I just think that if she doesn’t want to reveal the father she should’t make any comments about him it just creates more speculation about what the truth is about her situation. It is weird that she said in an interview she is not an announcement girl-that is why she didn’t announce the pregnancy but lately she just seems to be revealing alot of info for someone who seemed to be more private.

- laura on July 15th, 2008

Lilly, how is she being judgemental?

I have an idea, why doesn’t everyone who’s judging Minnie just stop? For all we know, the father may not even want to be a part of the baby’s life. Until you know the whole story, which you don’t, you shouldn’t judge
her. In case you guys haven’t realized this, the father situation, is NONE of anyone’s buisness, but his and Minnie’s.

I know a few kids who are better off without their fathers in their lives, and some who would be better off without their mothers.

It’s also none of our buisness about the sperm donar conspiracy theory either.

But someone please explain to me how Minnie is being judgmental. Because I can’t see it.

- Meredith on July 15th, 2008

Does Minnie Driver live with like 50 journalists. I think she has literally talked the public through every second of her pregnancy (not that I am complaining, after all this is a site about celebrity babies…) That said, I agree with those who think her “boyfriend” is a sperm donor/one night stand, and that’s totally fine. If there really is a boyfriend and she really doesn’t find him worthy of being there for the birth of his own child I think that’s incredibly sad and yes kind of selfish. Fathers have rights too, and you can still be an independent, single mom while co-parenting with a (willing and able) father.

- Erica on July 15th, 2008

She’s had a number of projects she’s promoting, I imagine that’s why she is being interviewed so frequently. They are always attached to Take, Motherhood, the Riches, her music, etc.

- Erica on July 15th, 2008

If this “guy” is her boyfriend he would insist in being there for the delivery of his child.

Are you absolutely and positively sure of that Lisa? I mean you know her boyfriend and what he would insist on right?
Or are you just assuming that all guys will insist on seeing their children born…b/c that’s not true. My dad only watched 2 of his 4. He didn’t *insist* on watching the other 2 when the time for insisting was around (it was protocol to not have fathers in the room… can’t think of a better time to insist!). My SO may not be in the delivery room b/c he doesn’t do well with medical procedures.

As for the question at the bottom of the post. I will probably have my mom, SO, sister… and that’s it. *Maybe* my MIL.

- Crystal V on July 15th, 2008

Stephany- I’m not saying it’s better to not have a father at all. My step father is the best thing that ever happened to me. He changed my life and I wouldn’t trade that relationship for anything. I was simply saying that many of us end up having what was referred to as “daddy issues” not b.c. our bio fathers weren’t there, but b.c. they weren’t as good as they should have been to us.

I agree with you that the person I am today in both positive and negative ways is b.c. of this and many other relationships in my life. My father was also abusive and controlling and made our lives a living hell. I only rarely speak to him and it is very superficial. I was just responding to the “daddy issues” comment which I felt was miscategorized.

Alexp- I know you did not specifcally refer to LGBT families which is why I made that comment b.c. I felt like you were leaving them out of the “normal” family equation. I’ll leave the rest alone since this is celebrity baby blog and not an LGBT rights or “daddy issues” forum.

- chloe on July 15th, 2008

if there is a guy he obviously doesn’t care about this baby, where has he been this entire time? the paparazzi haven’t been able to get ONE picture of the guy with the woman carrying his baby? right. sounds like she’s making the best of a bad situation with this guy. i don’t agree that all fathers have rights either, if they aren’t around for 9 months of the pregnancy they definitely don’t deserve to swoop in right at the end and see the best part of it. that’s selfish on his part, not hers. she has been through this entire thing alone, she should have whoever she wants in the delivery room with her.

- grace on July 15th, 2008

I feel like she teases us. Like almost “haha I will talk about the baby’s father, but I won’t tell you who he is.” I thought that it was cruel when she said “I don’t know if I’ll stay with the guy.” She won’t reveal who he is, but she will keep talking about him. I think it is unfair to him. If he exists at all like some people are saying here. I’m starting to question this myself.

- NicoleMarie on July 15th, 2008

10 years ago I would have applauded Minnie. I thought exactly the same way, and would have spoken the same words. I was very pro single women providing 100% care for their children and being proud of it.
I now have 2 sons with my husband. And, although I still admire and commend single women parents I have a different view. I see how my boys look at their dad, and when I think about them NOT having him in their lives it breaks my heart. When I need a break or even the garbage taken out, I thank My Dear Lord for him, because even those little things matter so much. When I think about how scary this world can be with all the violence and hate spewing everywhere, I feel a little better knowing I have a united front to stand on and raise my children with my husband.
When I hear her say “the guy” and how not staying with him is fine for her and talk shows, all I can think about is her baby. And I am now sad and regretful for that cavalier attitude I, too, once had.

- Alice on July 15th, 2008

If there is a father here that wants to be involved, then I think she is being completely and utterly selfish. This is his child too. Maybe he shouldn’t be there for the entire event, but he has just as much right to watch his baby being born as she does.

- Melissa on July 15th, 2008

What happened to the strict non-judgmental rules to Celebrity Baby Blog? I remember I posted something about Tori Spelling practically having a press photo-op every day for a month up until her delivery and it wasn’t added to the site. Now the Minnie Driver hate from all the better-than-thou mothers who know nothing about Minnie Driver’s relationship with the father are flooding the site every day. Didn’t she once say he has decided not to be involved at all and she’s ok with that? Is someone on vacation at Celebrity Babies or is there some double standard going on with the staff? Come on.

- Parker on July 16th, 2008

Umm, I wonder if Minnie’s words were taken out of context because I found this part kind of strange, and in a way condescending to all men, “It’s great to be an independent creature. Today you don’t need a man anymore.”

I understand she may have been talking about not needing a man for general things like companionship, love, fun, support, but did she forget she needed a man in order to get pregnant?

- DLR on July 16th, 2008

Either she had a total lapse in judgement and made this baby with a raging mad lunatic and is embarrassed and has deep regrets and knows it’s best for him to not be in their (yes, their) child’s life…or she used a sperm donor…which is more probable.

And if she’s such an independent women, why wouldn’t she just say so? What’s with all of the games through the press? I’m losing respect for her each day she has a new quote out now!

- UggaMugga.com on July 16th, 2008

I don’t think she used a sperm donor. I think it was quite honestly an accidental pregnancy. She’s said many times it was unexpected, and it makes total sense. She sent part of her first and the beginning of her second trimester touring in support of her album, and in her second and third trimester they had to re-write her role in Motherhood for her to be pregnant. Definitely not an ideal time to get pregnant, so I really think it was a surprise.

- Erica on July 16th, 2008

I find her to be a real digrace.

- gina on July 16th, 2008

Without an epideral there will be unbelievable pain. With an epideral there will be enjoyment of the birth.

- Patti on July 16th, 2008

Our British press would have found him by now. This ‘guy’ probably came from a sperm bank.

- SJ on July 16th, 2008

Patty, my sister and best-friend neither one had an epidural. My sister had two kids, and enjoyed both births, so did my best-friend with her baby. My neighbor had an epidural and she actually said that she wished she didn’t, because she still felt drugged from it two days later. My sister couldn’t stand it when her doctor tried to give her one. To be honest, the thought of a large needle going into my spine is kind of scary.

I’m not against epidurals or anything, just wanted to state my opinion on the matter. Sorry if I’m attacking your.

How can you people be so judgemental about Minnie? No one here knows the entire father situation, so why judge her so much for it? Anyway, that’s none of our buisness. Why can’t you guys just be happy for her?

- Stacey on July 16th, 2008

Lilly I totally agree with you.Maybe she is just naturally brash,I guess.

- Aya on July 16th, 2008

This just reeks of sperm donor. If she’s going to share everything else about this pregnancy such as the names and who she will have in the delivery room, she should be forthcoming and just say that she went to a sperm bank. No big deal. It certainly sounds like a wanted child. It just offends me that she thinks men are so insignificant. She wouldn’t be carrying this child if it was not for a man somewhere.

- Angel on July 16th, 2008

I highly doubt she’s with the baby’s father. If she was, I’m sure she’d want him there with her. Either that or it was a sperm donor and she doesn’t want to discuss it. Which, of course, is completely her choice.

Whenever I read comments on this site I laugh. Whenever anyone makes an innocent remark from their own observations or personal experience, someone else just HAS to leave a comment telling THEM how judgemental they are, when in fact, they are doing the exact same thing.
This might shock you, but, we are ALL judgemental. Some more than others, but we ALL are. Judging things comes from observing others, which we all do, especially when coming to a website like this. The only thing we have to be aware of, is not to make an opinion about that person/situation based on that judgement. As in, “I don’t like that person because of [said judgement].” Because no, we don’t know the whole story unless we’re living it.

There is nothing wrong with being judgemental, its ignorance and intolerance we should worry about. I’ve also noticed that the people bragging about “freedom of speech” are the same ones bashing someone for an opinion different from their own. But thats a whole different story, and not just on this website.

I don’t comment on this site very often, I just felt the need to say that. =]

- Paula on July 16th, 2008

Maybe the father of her baby is married and he asked her not to say who he was cause his wife don’t know…That’s my first theroy or Maybe like many are saying it is a sperm donor and she wants to keep it private cause mags and papers are never kind about what they write.

- Michelle on July 16th, 2008