The Christian community is rallying in prayer for Erin Bates Paine, star of UPtv’s Bringing Up Bates and longtime friend of the Duggar family, after she endured a frightening health battle following the birth of her seventh child.
On Monday, September 1, Erin’s husband, Chad Paine, shared an emotional update on Instagram about her condition and their newborn son, Henry Blythe, born August 25.
“We wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and support you have given on our behalf,” Chad wrote, posting black-and-white photos of Erin in a hospital bed. “It’s been a week since our miracle, Henry, came into the world. He is doing well in the NICU and is our bundle of happiness.”
Chad explained that Erin’s labor was “longer and more intense than previous births,” and while Henry was stable, Erin developed serious complications. She suffered a severe urinary tract infection and kidney infection that led to septic shock.
“[Erin] has been fighting through it and has been such a light and sweet testimony of grace to nurses, staff, and doctors alike,” Chad continued. “We are all moved by her kindness and gratefulness in the midst of pain.”
He concluded with a heartfelt plea: “She is currently still in the ICU as doctors continue to treat, diagnose, and search for answers. We would covet your prayers for this beautiful girl who is such a light in a dark world. We are holding onto God’s promises.”
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Thousands of comments poured in from supporters, lifting Erin and her family before the Lord. One follower wrote, “Praying that infection would leave her body in the name of Jesus!! I pray for complete healing over her and for sweet baby Henry in the NICU.” Another shared, “Praying for your sweet, beautiful family.”
Others praised Erin for being a testimony of faith in hard times. One commenter said, “You’ve always been such a light and testimony to my heart of how good God is! Praying for you every second I think of you.”
Just days earlier, Chad and Erin had announced Henry’s arrival with gratitude despite the trials. “After a long and emotional labor, our miracle arrived,” they wrote. “Henry Blythe was born August 25th. Henry is doing wonderfully, but we would so appreciate your prayers for Erin as she continues to recover from some complications. We thank the Lord for carrying us through and for the gift of this precious boy.”
Henry joins six older siblings: Charles Steven IV, 10, Brooklyn, 8, Everly, 7, Holland, 5, Finley, 3, and William, 20 months.
After nearly three weeks in the hospital, Erin gave her own heartfelt update on Saturday, September 13.
“After almost three weeks in the hospital, I have never been so thankful to finally head home to our babies,” Erin, 34, shared on Instagram. “We don’t have all the answers yet, and I still don’t have function in my right leg, but we are choosing to count every blessing — especially the gift of being together again. Your prayers have carried us through and mean the world to our family ❤️.”
In her post, Erin shared a touching photo of herself in a wheelchair holding baby Henry, as well as a selfie during the car ride home with her husband, Chad, by her side.
Just days later, on Monday, September 15, Erin shared another glimpse into her recovery, posting a photo of one of her mother Kelly Jo Bates’ home-cooked meals. “So thankful to have my Mom here to help us navigate this journey! ❤️ @thebatesfam,” she wrote, adding hashtags like #healingjourney #newBaby #family #togetheragain #thankful.
Erin’s parents later revealed that her diagnosis changed several times before she was safe enough to leave the hospital. According to the Cleveland Clinic, septic shock — the last and most severe stage of sepsis — occurs when the immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection, requiring urgent treatment with antibiotics, oxygen, and medication.
Erin, the daughter of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, grew up in a large Christian family that appeared alongside the Duggars in 19 Kids and Counting before starring in Bringing Up Bates, which aired for 10 seasons on UPtv.
As Chad and Erin cling to faith in this difficult season, their journey has reminded many of the power of prayer and the hope found in God’s promises. Erin’s testimony of gratitude in the midst of trial has encouraged thousands, who continue to lift her and her growing family before the Lord.
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