Shay Mitchell announces birth of second child

Shay Mitchell has confirmed that she has given birth to her second child with partner Matte Babel.

The Pretty Little Liars actor shared an intimate photograph of her and her new daughter, Rome, to her Instagram profile on Sunday, in which she spoke of the joy and pain she has experienced in welcoming her new baby while still coming to terms with the loss of her grandmother.

“Losing the most important person in my life in the same year I welcomed my second daughter has shifted everything for me, but one thing remains steady in my soul — I’m certain they spent time together and that brings me peace and joy,” she wrote.

“We’re so happy you’re here, Rome, named after my best friend, my soulmate, my ‘person’, my Grandma Romaine.”

The 35-year-old announced that she was pregnant with her second child in February, saying that her child’s imminent arrival felt connected to her grandmother’s passing in a “cosmic way”.

“Saying goodbye to a loved one while simultaneously experiencing the joy of welcoming another into this world is the great cycle of life. It is also my most challenging season to date,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I can’t help but think this was the universe’s plan all along, knowing I would need other worldly joy to cushion the blow of losing one of the most important people in my life. Yet, this is proof that love, life and loss can profoundly exist all at the same time,” she added.

The former model has been in a relationship with fellow Canadian Matte Babel since 2017. The couple had their first child, daughter Atlas, in October 2019.

Prior to conceiving their first child, Mitchell spoke out about suffering a miscarriage back in 2018.

Reflecting on the previous year in a January 2019 Instagram post, the mother-of-two revealed that she had “lost the child of my hopes and dreams”.

“We all have to deal with various struggles and challenges in life,” she wrote.

“And sometimes it's easier to only showcase the good times on social media, which is what leads many to criticise it for its lack of authenticity.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact the Miscarriage Association helpline on 01924 200799 or email the charity at info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk. The helpline is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.