Heavenly! Mishawaka mom gives birth to daughter during solar eclipse

MISHAWAKA — Minutes before the moon eclipsed the sun on April 8, little Brayla Mathis was born into the world to her loving parents Brandalee White and Nathaniel Mathis.

The eclipse began at 1:52 p.m., reaching 97% totality in Michiana between 3:08 p.m. and 3:12 p.m., The Tribune previously reported.

Brayla was born at 1:53 p.m. at St. Joseph Mishawaka Medical Center weighing 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.

Mother Brandalee White said her labor was induced. “I didn’t quite know what time the eclipse was going to start or what time she was going to come out,” White said. 

She talked of the excitement buzzing in the room leading up to her daughter's birth as two unforgettable moments were about to take place.

“It was something I’ll never forget," White told The Tribune. After the birth of her child, she remembered witnessing the eclipse herself in their baby bliss cocoon inside their hospital room. White recounted the hospital staff transferring her to a wheelchair to see for herself.

“The doctors were nice enough to get me in a wheelchair, hold my baby and get me up to the window," she said. "They gave me some (eclipse) glasses and we were able to see it. The doctor was so excited. He ran to the window and gave my husband glasses."

Brayla joins a full family of love with three sisters: Jayda, Nova and Brenae, and one brother: Nathaniel Jr. All the kids are excited about the new baby, but especially Nova, who's excited to be a big sister, White said.

This unique experience is something White will pass on to her daughter. Through stories and pictures, the momentous event of her birth will live on. But mostly, White is excited to see who her daughter will be.

“I look forward to seeing her little personality," she said.