Shakira Gives Birth To Baby Boy

Shakira and Gerard Piqué have welcomed a new addition to their family: Son Milan Piqué Mebarak was born Tuesday (January 22), the Latin singer and her soccer-star boyfriend announced on Shakira's website.

"We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Piqué Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Piqué, born January 22nd at 9:36pm, in Barcelona, Spain," the announcement reads. "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."

According to the announcement, baby Milan weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and both mother and child "are in excellent health." Milan is the first child for Shakira and Piqué.

Spanish newspaper El Pais broke the news early Tuesday morning that Shakira was admitted to the hospital, which was followed shortly thereafter by a tweet from the mother-to-be asking for support on her special day.

"I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life," she tweeted to her fans in both Spanish and English.

The newspaper report said baby Milan was delivered via a caesarean section and that Piqué was the only man allowed in the delivery room, as Shakira had previously requested her medical team to be comprised of women only.

Those wishing to send the happy family their support may do so via the couple's online charity baby shower, which they set up through UNICEF to benefit underprivileged babies.

"Every couple that's expecting a baby shares our same dreams and hopes for their children," said Shakira, who is a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, when they launched the virtual baby shower. "However, many don't have the same opportunities we do to give them a happy childhood free of preventable and easily cured illnesses. Together we can change that."

Share your well-wishes for the new parents in the comments below!