In an extraordinary event that captivated the attention of medical staff and the public alike, 40-year-old Daniella Hines from Riverview, Florida, gave birth to a baby boy weighing an astonishing 6.3 kilograms (13 pounds, 15 ounces) on September 3, 2025. The newborn, named Annan, was delivered at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, becoming the largest baby ever born at the facility.
This remarkable birth has sparked widespread interest, with hospital staff dubbing the infant a “little celebrity” due to his unusually large size, nearly double the average weight of a typical newborn, which is around 7 pounds. Daniella’s story highlights the marvels of human biology, the influence of genetics, and the strength of a mother navigating an extraordinary delivery.
A Record-Breaking Delivery
Daniella Hines, standing at six feet tall, and her husband, Andre Hines Sr., who measures an impressive 6’2”, welcomed their son Annan into the world in a delivery that left even seasoned medical professionals in awe. The birth, which occurred naturally, was a significant departure from Daniella’s previous experience with her older son, Andre Jr., who weighed 12 pounds, 11 ounces at birth. Annan’s weight of 13 pounds, 15 ounces not only surpassed his sibling’s but also set a new record for St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, making it the heaviest baby ever delivered at the facility.
Daniella Hines described the delivery as feeling markedly different from her first. She recalled a “strange sensation” during the process, noting an intense pressure that left her wondering, “What are they pulling out of me? What is going on here?” Her astonishment grew when she saw her newborn son for the first time.
“He was so big. I was like, ‘Whose baby is this? He came out of me?’” she shared. The sheer size of Annan, comparable to that of an average four-month-old, drew hospital staff from various departments to the maternity ward, eager to catch a glimpse of the record-breaking infant. His arrival quickly became the talk of the hospital, with nurses and doctors marveling at the healthy, robust baby boy.
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The natural delivery of such a large baby is particularly noteworthy. Typically, babies weighing over 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4 kilograms) are classified as macrosomic, a condition that often prompts medical teams to recommend a cesarean section to mitigate risks to both mother and child. However, Daniella’s ability to deliver Annan naturally speaks to her physical resilience and the expertise of the medical team at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South. The successful outcome underscores the advancements in maternal care that allow for such extraordinary births to occur safely.
The Role of Genetics and Health
The exceptional size of baby Annan can likely be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Daniella Hines and her husband’s above-average height—six feet and 6’2”, respectively—played a significant role in their son’s size. Genetics often influence birth weight, with taller parents more likely to have larger babies due to inherited traits that affect growth and development. Daniella herself noted that their height likely contributed to Annan’s impressive measurements, a sentiment echoed by medical professionals who observed the newborn.
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During her pregnancy, Daniella Hines was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that can develop during pregnancy. This condition is known to increase the likelihood of delivering a larger-than-average baby, as excess glucose in the mother’s bloodstream can cross the placenta, prompting the baby to produce more insulin and grow larger.
However, Daniella Hines emphasized that her glucose levels were strictly managed throughout her pregnancy, which likely minimized any excessive impact of the condition on Annan’s size. Proper management of gestational diabetes is critical, as uncontrolled cases can lead to complications such as preterm birth, respiratory distress in the newborn, or the need for a cesarean delivery.
Daniella’s commitment to maintaining her health during pregnancy, combined with her genetic predisposition, created the conditions for Annan’s remarkable size. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of prenatal care and monitoring, particularly for mothers with conditions like gestational diabetes. The fact that Annan was born healthy and thriving, described by his mother as a “chill” baby who only fusses when hungry, further highlights the success of the medical oversight provided during Daniella’s pregnancy.
A Little Celebrity and a Bright Future
Baby Annan’s arrival was not just a medical marvel but also a moment of joy and celebration for the Hines family and the hospital community. Described as a “little celebrity,” Annan drew crowds of curious staff members who were eager to see the largest baby ever born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South. His size, coupled with his calm demeanor, made him an instant sensation, with Daniella noting that “everyone started coming in to take a look.” The hospital’s media relations department confirmed that Annan’s birth was a historic event for the facility, further cementing his status as a remarkable newborn.
For Daniella Hines, the experience was both surreal and deeply meaningful. As a mother of two, she expressed excitement about sharing Annan’s story with him as he grows older. “I can’t wait for him to grow up because I want to tell him that he was in the news,” she said. The birth of Annan, whom she described as a “big blessing,” has brought immense pride and happiness to the family. Despite the challenges of delivering such a large baby, Daniella’s reflections focus on gratitude and awe, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.
The broader implications of Annan’s birth extend beyond the Hines family. Stories of exceptionally large babies often capture public fascination, as they challenge common expectations about childbirth and highlight the diversity of human experiences. Annan’s birth joins a small but notable list of record-breaking deliveries, such as a 6.2kg baby girl born naturally in Spain in 2013 to a 40-year-old British mother, and a 6.5kg baby born in the United States in 2017. While these cases are rare, they demonstrate the incredible adaptability of the human body and the advancements in obstetric care that ensure safe outcomes for both mother and child.
Looking ahead, Daniella and Andre Sr. are focused on nurturing their son, who is already showing signs of a hearty appetite to match his size. His calm and relaxed nature suggests a bright and joyful future, with his parents eager to watch him grow—both in stature and in the legacy of his extraordinary entrance into the world. The story of Annan’s birth is a testament to the resilience of mothers, the wonders of genetics, and the dedicated care provided by medical professionals. It is a narrative that will likely be shared for years to come, both within the Hines family and in the wider community that has been captivated by this astonishing event.
In conclusion, Daniella Hines’ natural delivery of her 6.3kg son Annan on September 3, 2025, stands as a remarkable achievement in modern childbirth. The combination of genetic factors, diligent prenatal care, and skilled medical support allowed for a safe and successful birth that has left an indelible mark on St. Joseph’s Hospital-South. Annan’s story is one of wonder, resilience, and celebration, reminding us of the extraordinary possibilities within the human experience. As the Hines family embarks on this new chapter, their “little celebrity” is sure to inspire awe and admiration for years to come.