Meghan Markle shocks royals by hiring a doula for the birth of new royal baby

Meghan Markle has spent thousands of dollars to hire a top level birthing coach - telling staff at the hospital they are not needed during her labour.

The Duchess of Sussex, 37, has booked the services of Lauren Mishcon - a well-known doula who will help her and Harry throughout the birth of their first child in April. 

According to The Sun, Lauren has already been coaching Meghan and Harry about how to approach the birth of their child, and has had sessions with Prince Harry, 34, on what to say to support his wife during labour.

It will be the first time in centuries that a doula has been employed during a royal birth. And the royals are said to be shocked that she is shunning the services of midwives and doctors. 

A doula is a birthing coach who helps a mother through her birthing journey - but not from a medical point of view. 

The name doula is Greek for “woman-servant” — and they act to relieve the stress and worry of pregnant mums and advise them how best to relax during labour with breathing and positions.

They can cost up to $4,000 for an experienced coach, in the UK.

Meghan's doula already has links to the royal family because her she's married to Oliver Mishcon. His grandad was head of legal firm Mishcon de Reya, which handled Princess Diana's 1996 split from Prince Charles.

Lauren's remained very tight-lipped about her role in the royal birth, and is refusing to reveal what she will be doing during the birth of the new royal baby. 

'Well, I am obviously not at liberty to talk about who, or who might not, be my client.'

'So I can't possibly . . . I wouldn't be able to talk to you about anything,' she told The Sun.

It's thought Meghan willl welcome her newborn in the $12,000-a-night Lindo Wing at London's St Mary's Hospital, where Kate Middleton gave birth to her three children. 

Meghan has also asked her mum, Doria Ragland, to be a part of the birth and has said she wants her in the room with Harry and the doula.