World media, tabloids anticipate Brangelina, TomKat births

The tabloid baby-watch is in overdrive, as media around the world breathlessly follow the imminent births due for two U.S. celebrity couples.

Earlier this month, it was reported that U.S. actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had travelled to Namibia, purportedly to have their baby in a secluded locale.

Jolie and Pitt are planning to have their baby in Namibia and are considering a Namibian name, the governor of the Erongo region of the southwestern African country told South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper.

The couple and their two adopted children have been shielded from reporters at a secluded beach resort since early April.

Jolie, who often travels the world as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, filmed the movie Beyond Borders in Namibia in 2003.

Another much-anticipated birth is coming up for actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Many rumours have circulated around Holmes's pregnancy of late because of the couple's Scientology beliefs.

Cruise addressed questions in an ABC News interview broadcast Friday about Scientology's practice of "silent birth" and the religious faith of both Holmes and the child they are expecting.

Silent birth is "basically just respecting the mother, you know, and helping to be quiet," Cruise said, adding that the practice doesn't stop the mother from making as much noise as she wants during labour.

He added that if Holmes "needs an epidural, she's going to get her epidural."

Cruise also confirmed that Holmes, raised a Catholic, has joined him in becoming a follower of Scientology and that their child would be baptized according to their beliefs.