US Senator Tammy Duckworth has given birth to a daughter, becoming the first sitting female US senator to give birth while in office.
The Illinois Democrat, 50, said on Twitter that Maile Pearl Bowlsbey was named after her husband’s great aunt, who served as a nurse during World War Two.
Bryan, Abigail and I couldn’t be happier to welcome little Maile Pearl as the newest addition to our family and we’re deeply honored that our good friend Senator Akaka was able to bless her name for us—his help in naming both of our daughters means he will always be with us. https://t.co/KXyNf65KxA
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 9, 2018
Pearl Bowlsbey Johnson was Bryan’s great Aunt, an Army Officer & a nurse who served during the Second World War. He spent many summer months with her while growing up, we feel her presence still and are grateful for her service to our nation during the most challenging of times.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 9, 2018
In a series of tweets, she also thanked her family and medical team.
Mrs Duckworth is a former helicopter pilot who had both her legs amputated after crashing in Iraq in 2004.
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The Iraq War veteran had previously made history when she became the first woman with disabilities elected to the US senate.
Baby Maile – the couple’s second daughter – was born in a suburban Washington DC hospital on Monday.
“Parenthood isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s an economic issue and one that affects all parents – men and women alike,” she said in a statement.
“As tough as juggling the demands of motherhood and being a Senator can be, I’m hardly alone or unique as a working parent, and my children only make me more committed to doing my job and standing up for hardworking families everywhere,” she continued.
Last month senators from both parties, as well as their staff, hosted a baby shower Mrs Duckworth at the US Capitol, according to the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, which was first to report the birth.
In January, Mrs Duckworth told the newspaper that getting pregnant with her second child was “a struggle”.
Mrs Duckworth’s first child, Abigail, was born when she was serving in the US House of Representatives.
