Shakira and Gerard Pique
Singer Shakira and her footballer boyfriend, Gerard Pique, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy, named Milan Pique Mebarak.
The ‘hips don’t lie’ singer gave birth to a baby boy yesterday, in a Barcelona hospital, according to People En Espanol magazine.
The 35-year-old 'Loca' singer confirmed she and her FC Barcelona star boyfriend Gerard Pique, are "happy" following their baby boy's arrival and also explained the meaning behind the tot’s name.
A message on her official website said: "We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Pique Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Pique, born January 22nd at 9:36pm, in Barcelona, Spain.
"The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification.
"Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.
"The hospital confirmed that the couple's first child weighed approximately 6lbs. 6 ounces, and that both mother and child are in excellent health."
Shakira earlier took to her twitter to ask fans to pray for her after being admitted into hospital in Barcelona, where she was induced and due to give birth.
The Colombian star appealed to her fans via Twitter shortly after arriving at the Teknon clinic yesterday, writing: "I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak"
She also posted the same content in Spanish and was immediately inundated with messages of support from her fans across the world, wishing her good luck.
A source previously told Spanish newspaper La Razon that the couple scheduled the birth so that Gerard could be present during their baby's arrival.
The insider also revealed that the 'She Wolf' singer had requested a female only medical team, who all signed confidentiality agreements, to assist her during the birth.
The blonde beauty was said to be feeling "increasing discomfort" ahead of the birth and was complaining of "abdominal pressure."
Shakira has been dating 25-year-old soccer player Gerard for around two years and previously said he is the "best thing" to ever happen to her, until she got pregnant.
She said: "This man is the best thing that could have happened in my life. And now the baby!"
Shakira only confirmed their relationship last year by posting a picture of them both together on Twitter and Facebook with a caption reading, "I present to you my sunshine." in Spanish.
Last week the couple invited fans to join them at their virtual baby shower, where they can purchase essential baby gifts that will support UNICEF and benefit some of the world's most vulnerable babies.
The online baby shower engages social media fans by enabling them to join the popstar and her footballer beau in their virtual living room, where they can buy 'Inspired Gifts' such as mosquito nets, polio vaccines and baby-weighing scales that will be distributed to children and communities in some of the poorest corners of the globe.
After purchasing an 'Inspired Gift', fans will then receive a personal thank you message from the couple, and be able to view exclusive photos of them taken in December 2012 by renowned photographer Jaume Laiguana.
Congratulations to Shakira and Gerard!
FemaleFirst @FemaleFirst_UK
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