Tomorrow's Supermodel?

The 30-year old cover model of Sports Illustrated and Victoria's Secret fame is now a first-time mommy. "My name is Leni," the 3.750 gram baby girl told the world via her mother's Web site on Wednesday morning.

The offspring of the woman described by some as having "perfect DNA," is a looker herself, at least according to those privileged enough to see her. "Everyone's told me that with my long hair, I'm already a pretty baby," the makers of Heidi's Web site "quoted" Leni as saying.

Allegedly, the healthy and happy baby spoke out "loud and strong" directly after the birth, before being given "the best food in the world" and falling fast asleep.

Natural birth, no complications

The supermodel's grandfather, Günther, told the regional Kölner Express the birth was a natural one without complications. Heidi's mother accompanied her daughter in the New York clinic. The baby's father, Italian Formula One boss Flavio Briatore, was not mentioned on the Web site, and, according to various press reports, was not present during the birth.

The relationship with Briatore, a 53-year-old multimillionaire frequently seen in the company of beautiful women, has been the subject of much speculation in the tabloid press recently. Shortly before the birth, the model and the race car chief were rumored to have separated. The two supposedly had too many different job commitments and too little time for each other. But they both vowed to be "great parents."

Heidi, who was named "most desirable woman" by New York Magazine, said last year that there was no greater wish for her than to be a mother.

Doing it the traditional way

Heidi's decision for a natural birth, as opposed to a Cesarean, goes against the current trend among supermodels and Hollywood stars. Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Kate Winslet, Madonna, Victoria Beckham -- they all opted for a birth on the operating table.

Birth by scalpel is becoming a more and more popular choice for the beautiful and wealthy, who prefer the planning and relative lack of pain it offers. In the United States, where Heidi resides most of the time, the C-section has turned into a lifestyle operation for 50 percent of patients in private birthing clinics. In Germany, every fourth child is born per Cesarean.