WASHINGTON – Tammy Duckworth has become the first sitting female US senator to give birth while in office.
The 50-year-old Illinois Democrat said on Twitter that her daughter, Maile Pearl Bowlsbey, was named after her husband’s great aunt, who served as a nurse during World War Two.
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.
We’re also so grateful for the love and support of our friends and family, as well as our wonderful medical teams for everything they’ve done to help us in our decades-long journey to complete our family.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 9, 2018
Duckworth is a former helicopter pilot who had both her legs amputated after crashing in Iraq in 2004.
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.
Duckworth’s first child, Abigail, was born when she was serving in the US House of Representatives.
