'Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth': Shakira announces happiness after son is born

By Kimberley Dadds
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Shakira has become a mother for the first time after giving birth to her baby son, Milan.

The singer has announced the happy news on her official website, revealing that he is already to follow in the footsteps of his father, footballer Gerard Pique, stating: 'Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.'

She added in the message: '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.

New mother: Shakira has revealed to her Twitter fans that she's given birth to son Milan - her first child with boyfriend Gerard Pique
New mother: Shakira has revealed to her Twitter fans that she's given birth to son Milan - her first child with boyfriend Gerard Pique
Announcement: She let her fans know she had given birth by tweeting a message revealing his name and weight immediately
Announcement: She let her fans know she had given birth by tweeting a message revealing his name and weight immediately
'The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification...
'The hospital confirmed that the couple’s first child weighed approximately 6lbs. 6 ounces, and that both mother and child are in excellent health.'
The singer took to Twitter just four hours earlier to ask her devotees to pray for her during the birth of her first child, revealing to them that she was about to go into labour.

The 35-year-old Colombian star was admitted into hospital in Barcelona, where she was due to be induced and give birth to her baby boy with her 25-year-old boyfriend Gerard.
Ready for a new arrival? Shakira and Gerard were spotted arriving at the hospital to prepare for the birth of their first child together
Ready for a new arrival? Shakira and Gerard were spotted arriving at the hospital to prepare for the birth of their first child together
Spotted: The pair looked slightly apprehensive about becoming parents for the first time Spotted: The pair looked slightly apprehensive about becoming parents for the first time
Spotted: The pair looked slightly apprehensive about becoming parents for the first time
The 'She Wolf' singer appealed to her fans via Twitter shortly after arriving at the Teknon clinic on Tuesday, 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 FC Barcelona footballer Gerard could be present during their baby's arrival.

The insider also revealed that the singer had requested a female only medical team, who all signed confidentiality agreements, assist her during the birth.

Pregnant and proud: Just a few days ago Shakira unveiled a series of professional shots showing off her pregnant belly
Pregnant and proud: Just a few days ago Shakira unveiled a series of professional shots showing off her pregnant belly
In labour: The Hips Don't Lie singer has happily kept her fans up to date as she readies the birth
New mother: The Hips Don't Lie singer has happily kept her fans up to date as she readies the birth
Updating fans: She was admitted into a hospital in Barcelona on Tuesday, where she tweeted fans before going in to labour
Updating fans: She was admitted into a hospital in Barcelona on Tuesday, where she tweeted fans before going in to labour
The blonde beauty was said to be feeling 'increasing discomfort' ahead of the birth and was complaining of 'abdominal pressure'.

Shakira has been dating 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.
Parents imminently: Shakira and boyfriend Gerard Pique have teamed up with charity UNICEF to create a virtual baby shower in the lead up to the birth
Happy parents: Shakira and boyfriend Gerard Pique had teamed up with charity UNICEF to create a virtual baby shower in the lead up to the birth
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 Jaume Laiguana.
Ready for motherhood: Shakira is spotted here last week during her father's book launch in Barcelona
Ready for motherhood: Shakira is spotted here last week during her father's book launch in Barcelona