Beyonce And Jay-Z Release Photos Of Baby Blue

Beyonce and her rapper husband Jay-Z have released the first pictures of their baby daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

The famously private couple have revealed few details about their baby since she was born on January 7.

But now the proud parents have published photos of Blue Ivy on the social media sharing site Tumblr.com, along with a note to fans.

"We welcome you to share in our joy.

"Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives. The Carter family."

The set of pictures shows Beyonce and Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, each cuddling the one-month-old and there are also two single portaits of Blue Ivy.

Just days after the baby's birth at a New York hospital, hip hop mogul Jay-Z released a song dedicated to his daughter.

He used emotional lyrics in Glory to reveal for the first time the agony he and wife Beyonce endured as they suffered a miscarriage during their earlier struggle to have a baby.

The song also features a baby's cry - believed to be Blue Ivy's - at the end.

In an official announcement after Blue Ivy's birth the superstar couple said: "Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven.

"She was delivered naturally at a healthy seven pounds and it was the best experience of both of our lives.

"We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.Beyonce & JAY Z.''

Beyonce, 30, and Jay-Z married in 2008 after dating for around six years.