Senator Tammy Duckworth Just Gave Birth — and Casually Made History in the Process

Tammy Duckworth has just made history as the first senator to give birth while in office. On April 9, the 50-year-old Illinois senator and Iraq War veteran gave birth to a baby girl, Maile Pearl. She and her husband, Bryan Bowlsbey, are already parents to 3-year-old Abigail, who they conceived via in-vitro fertilization. "Bryan, Abigail, and I couldn't be happier to welcome little Maile Pearl as the newest addition to our family," the senator said in a statement.

Duckworth also shared the sweet significance behind her daughter's name. The name of the vine used to create leis, maile, is a nod to the senator's upbringing in Honolulu. Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, a family friend, also reportedly helped bless the child's name before his passing on April 6. Duckworth said, "His help in naming both of our daughters means he will always be with us."

The newborn's middle name, Pearl, honors Bowlsbey's great-aunt, who served as an officer and nurse during World War II. The statement continued, "We feel her presence still and are grateful for her service to our nation during the most challenging of times."