Shakira gives birth to baby Milan

Latin superstar Shakira is a first-time mum after giving birth to a baby boy.

The Hips Don't Lie hitmaker and her partner Gerard Pique welcomed their son Milan on Tuesday after the singer gave birth in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain.

Announcing the good news on her website, she wrote, "We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Pique Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Pique, born Jan. 22nd at 9:36 p.m., in Barcelona, Spain."

Shakira went on to explain her newborn's name, adding, "(It) 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."

Football star Pique plays for the Spanish team.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the hospital where the singer gave birth says mother and child are "in excellent health".

As she prepared to become a mum earlier on Tuesday, Shakira reached out to her fans on Twitter.com, asking them to keep her in their prayers as she headed to the delivery room.

She wrote, "I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life."