Florida Mom Gives Birth to one of the Largest Babies in Hospital’s Recent History

Courtesy St. Joseph's Hospital-South, Riverview

When Daniella Hines gave birth earlier this month, she had no idea just how memorable the delivery would be. The Florida mother welcomed her son, Annan, on September 3 at St. Joseph Hospital-South in Riverview, where he weighed in at a remarkable 13 pounds, 15 ounces.

For context, the University of Rochester Medical Center reports that the average newborn weighs about 7 pounds. Hines’ baby was nearly double that size, making him one of the largest newborns delivered at the hospital in recent memory.

Hines, 40, said the experience felt different from her first delivery. Her older son, Andre Jr., already made headlines of his own by weighing 12 pounds, 11 ounces at birth. This time, she said, the difference was clear.

“He was the talk of the maternity ward!” Hines told Today. “I remember thinking, ‘What are they pulling out of me? What is going on here?’ I felt so much pressure.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, Riverview, Florida

When she finally saw her newborn, the mystery behind that unusual feeling quickly became obvious. “He was so big. I was like, ‘Whose baby is this? He came out of me?” she said. “Then everybody starts coming in because it’s not every day you see an almost 14-pound baby pop out. He was like a little celebrity.”

The family’s height may have contributed to the baby’s extraordinary size. Both Hines and her husband, Andre Sr., are over six feet tall. “I can’t wait to show him when he gets older: ‘Look, you were in the news!’” she added.

Despite his size, Hines described Annan as a peaceful newborn. “He’s a really chill baby,” she said, noting that he only becomes fussy when he’s hungry.

The family is still adjusting to their new arrival, but Hines said the joy far outweighs any challenges. “We didn’t expect such a big blessing,” she told Today. “But it’s just more to love!”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, Riverview, Florida

Hospital staff and visitors were amazed by Annan’s arrival, with many stopping by the maternity ward to meet the unusually large newborn. His story has since captured national attention, turning him into something of a local celebrity even before leaving the hospital.

For Hines, the experience was both overwhelming and heartwarming. With her husband and older son by her side, she said she is grateful for her healthy baby and proud to share the extraordinary story of his birth.

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