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The Duggars' 19th Child: Josie Duggar

Posted 8 months ago|26 comments|10,767 views
Written by
celebcrazy
New Orleans, LA
When you’ve got a good idea, it’s best to stick with it. For example, say you’re the star of a TV show based on a passel of little kids, you’ve got to keep ‘em coming.

Congrats to Michelle Duggar, I guess. The super-mom has popped out her nineteenth child. The baby, Josie Duggar, was delivered on Thursday night, by C-section, and weighed 1 pound, 6 ounces. She’s got a lot of brothers and sisters to take care of her, too – the entire cast of “18 Kids and Counting” on TLC. They’ll have to change that show title soon, too.

Since Josie Duggar was born premature, she’ll have to stay in the hospital for a while with her mom. Reports say that the infant is doing well, and resting in the neonatal intensive care unit. Michelle Duggar had been rushed to the hospital after an attack of gallstones and high blood pressure.

As you may or may not know, the Duggars are proponents of the “Quiverfull” movement, which means that they reject all forms of birth control. That’s all good and well, but instead of having 19 children, why didn’t they just have a few, and use an equal amount of money on charity?

Josie Duggar is joining the family just two months after the birth of the first grandchild in the Duggar clan – Mackynzie Renee, who’s the first daughter of Josh and Anna.

Well, best wishes to all the Duggars this holiday season. They may not think like the majority, but they apparently are “debt-free,” which makes me a little bit jealous. I wish I could say that! Here’s hoping that Josie Duggar stays healthy and is out of the hospital soon.
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COMMENTS
8 months ago: I'm wondering if the gallstones and blood pressure may be a result of the ridiculous amount of stress she's put her body through having nineteen kids. I'm not in the medical profession so I have no idea if there's a correlation, but it seems to be a baby under 2 lbs. isn't "healthy".
akmommy
akmommy
Seward, AK
8 months ago: To answer this question:

"That’s all good and well, but instead of having 19 children, why didn’t they just have a few, and use an equal amount of money on charity?"

Because they don't have to. This is a free country where we get to spend our money on whatever we want. Some people choose to spend their money on lavish vacations and expensive toys, they choose to spend their money on having kids. That is their right as free American citizens. When did it become okay for other people to tell someone how to spend their money? It's not.

Leave these people alone and let them spend their money however they want to!
Lexiesmom
Lexiesmom
Beale AFB, CA
8 months ago: If they lived off the government like Ocoto-mom I would have a problem with the number of kids they have, but they make their own money and take care of their children. If that is the lifesyle they choose more power to them. I can only hope my children grow up to have such strong moral convictions and astounding faith.
8 months ago: I think people should not judge the Duggar's. I believe in birth control. It is a choice. They support their family on their own. I have been concerned with the health of Michelle and having that many children but she seems to be healthy and can well afford good care. When watching them, they are so loving and caring to their children. They treat people with kindness and caring that is such a wonderful quality. This is rare in this day and age. What a breath of fresh air. I wish the best to them and speedy recovery to Michelle. God is watching over little Josie and will help her grow big and strong so she can come home to such a loving family.
J Lee Kenser
J Lee Kenser
Hartford, MI
8 months ago: Having seen my twin boys in the neonatal unit there is nothing about that telling me that GOD wanted me to keep having twins or more children.

It told me to feel lucky that you're able to have the one's you have and take care of them as best you can as they are indeed a gift.

This family in my opinion as listed in my rant the other day is they are no better than the Gosselin's they too are pimping their kids out for TV time.
everthecynic
everthecynic
8 months ago: JLK yes I agree with how you feel. Perhaps consider it a sign that it's time to tie the tubes? To answer the question in the first comment. Yes, high blood pressure is a hallmark of a condition called preeclampsia, very bad for mom very bad for baby. I can't say for sure if that's the case with her, but it sure sounds that way. As for the gallstones, I can't recall enough of my old training to know for sure. I'm pretty sure from this point on, if they insist on having more kids, she'll be considered high risk, assuming she's not already.
8 months ago: There are millions of children in this world who have no living parents, and/or are suffering from malnutrition, poor/no medical care and lack of education. That families like this, who call themselves "God-faring", can choose to have almost 20 children, is a disgrace to humanity. Just because they're fortunate enough to live in the western world, does not entitle them to leave such an enormous carbon footprint. Their love of children should extend to adoption instead of constant reproduction. I agree with the previous rant. The parents are using their kids for PR purposes, to espouse their religious beliefs. Wonder how long it'll be before we watch someone in that family crash and burn? Reality TV. Gotta' love it!
8 months ago: It is a wonderful GIFT from the Lord to have children!
Some become Lawyers, some doctors, some become gardners and some plumbers and some become moms of many who love large families. Ridicule is never fair, by placing their family out there on tv, sadly they will be ridiculed. I am very much in favor of Large families and always eager to share why so. I do not believe in birth control for the simple fact it is just next after abortion (no offense meant here.) Birth control is never 100% and when indeed a woman' can still become pregnant the child is then aborted by this small powerful pill (Study and be careful what you read.) The Lord has always provided for our family of seven. Our world has become so self righteous, self centered that very few believe in dependance upon the creator yet, there will be a time in ALL of our lives where we will see the need for HIM (Christ) and right now Mrs. Duggar needs our prayers and hopes HIGH for her health to care and be the backbone of her home and this precious little one whom has survived thus far. Love to share. Mrs. Reid
Lauren
Lauren
Des Plaines, IL
8 months ago: Considering that she was born at 25w, weighing only 1lb.6oz., she will not be "out of the hospital" anytime soon. Its an incredibly sad and scary situation, actually. Considering that 24w is considering the cusp of viability, little Josie has a long, hard, scary road ahead of her. She will most likely be in the hospital for months to come and the odds of her facing residual health problems from her premature birth are great. Despite what you may think about the parents, its a sad situation for this baby and she needs all the prayers she can get.
8 months ago: Those children and their lives are not the issue here...They are here and happy lives to them. It's parental judgement that I'm talking about, adult decision-making. And talk about "self righteousness" - give me a break. This whole issue always brings out the religious interpretation that we must "go forth and multiply" - multiply to the number of almost 20 children? What if everyone did that? My contention is that in this overpopulated world where many children do not live to see their 2nd birthday on account of poor living conditions, making the choice to have 19 or 20 children is purely selfish and naive, sorry. Oh and by the way....I'm an adoptee myself.
8 months ago: I am the grandmother of triplets who were born very early. No fertility clinic was used. They were natural triplets which does happen. Two girls and a boy. My grandson did not weigh more than Josie. The girls were bigger than him. He was in the hospital longer but they all made it and are looking at their 4th birthday next month. By God's grace, they do not nave any health issues other than allergis. Because of good health care. It can happen and I pray it does for her. The Duggars have the choice of how many children they want. They take care of them and support them by their own means. I may not agree with their decision but am not going to judge them. If they were not financially supporting them, that would be a different story. Not everyone is multiplying to 20 children. No one could afford that. They can.
8 months ago: Ew. She's gonna have a terrible life. Jim Bob and Michelle don't know anything. They are overprotective- they don't let there children were clothes above the knee and all the girls are forced against there will to wear thoose old lady skirts. They don't even let them DANCE. Don't give me crap about the only reason you have so many kids is because they are "Gifts from God." You know the reason you have theese is to get gifts from producers.If you care about the bible so much then become a preist. Oh thats right, if you do that then you can have children, get puplicity and a whole lot of $$$. Disgusting.
8 months ago: Hi Felicia, Hi resently adopted from Ecuador and was quite the experience lived in country over 6 weeks and it was all worth while just like any other child whether born or adopted. I know most that do not understand the things of the Lord are those that do not know the Lord and I do not expect you or anyone to outside of a relationship with Him, on another note....God provided an accurate amount of space in the world for ALL of creation, he is never surprised nor shocked at anything (Size of family, sickness and un healthy babies etc...) HE can provide for large families as we see Him doing quite so with this family. I find it odd that people PICK THIS FAMILY A PART with all of the 'STUFF" going on around us (Would be a book) This family is a true example of Love and Committment in Marriage as well as how to properly love, nurture, teach and train our lil ones and run our homes...I am heart sick that people would truly question this family rather than lift them up! No Offense, I appreciate hearing your point of view truly but, I can only wonder if those commenting on the negative side know "Truth?" If you do not have TRUTH than you cannot make a wise, just, decision on any of this content and don't tell me you can make any decision without first knowing why it is You, I or any of our lives EXIST Yes! This does have to do with Our Father. Our Creator it ALWAYS does. Questions?
8 months ago: So....Happy to hear for the lady with Triplets WOW!!! What a testimony of God's True Power. I know this is hard for some to believe yet, I will try and explain as best as possible ...and those of the faith (Christian) please feel free to help. In Sin (Which is where we all started Adam and Eve sadly sinned, God created for them a perfect world and they CHOSE (Choice) otherwise, In this BIG Choice our world became SIN Our Earth GROANS and needs a Savior) The Point: Whether Mr and Mrs. Duggar's baby Josie Survives or does not live she is in the care of her creator and because we live in a fallen world bad things happen...sometimes that does not mean God's hand is not on her,
I am in high hopes for this family to have the care they need and support to give LIFE to this baby girl. Our prayers are with them in this hard time.
8 months ago: Hi Natalie, I am interested in how many children you have and what you allow them to wear and DO? I ask respectfully how a "GOOD Parent" should raise their children and what standard they should live by...it is obvious that you do not agree with a Biblical Standard and you will answer to God for that yet, what other standard is there? I have seen young ladies that I am so sad to have seen their liefstyles and how these youngens run their homes... No Clothing and or coverage is best to them, and on and on I could go...With NO Standard that leaves us LAWLESS, WIth no Goal that leaves one helpless, with no boundaries that leaves the LIMIT SO WIDE you can't have ANY balance what a sad SOUL this would be. I don't see any bars on their home and haven't heard of any of the Duggar's Children escaping yet on the news, all I see is Smiles and Joy coming from their heart and 1/2 of them are GROWN you can't tell me they don't have a CHOICE in the way they live NO! The standard is set HIGH and they live with Honor! Integrity! Respect to their Maker and their God Given Parents which is the ONLY way of things. It is only in the last 50 years that the DECLINE of Moral VS. Immoral has really picked up and about to take this Nation in to a down hill sprial. Sadly, due to poor choices and lawlessness in people's hearts those will answer to The Lord No Matter what RELIGION you are.
Lauren
Lauren
Des Plaines, IL
8 months ago: Natalie- Before you comment on anyone else's lifestyle, please learn to spell. Thank you.
8 months ago: I am not certain how Spelling has anything to do with the topic yet, somehow I feel I have triggered some heavy emotions which is yet, another great gift God allowed us. I am not mad nor should you be~ I simply give a strong heartfelt comment because I am pattionate about "Family," Marriage, etc... I apologize for my hurried writing for I have better things in life to do like take care of "my" FAMILY. Getting back on topic...
Marriage is where it all began! One man, One WOman!
I am so sad to see that this couple will have a rough road the next weeks with a preemie yet, I can see in their lives and hearts that they are both Strong and find their strength from the most High! They will endure and come out STRONG.
8 months ago: They have 19 kids that they support and take care of. Their children are all well cared for, and for the idiots who complain about their "carbon footprint"...do some research. This family's philosophy is to buy everything used and use it until it's worn out. Their carbon footprint is probably no larger than an average size "wasteful" family. I can't complain about two responsible, debt-free, adults choosing to have children that they take full responsibility for. In our society, too many nitwits have kids that they can't support "by accident"--don't know who the daddy is, STD's, drug use during pregnancy, resulting in preterm deliveries of babies with serious problems...And the kids suffer...and society picks up the tab. Those are the idiots worth complaining about. Even if this woman has delivered 19 children, she has no pre-existing medical conditions and hence, she was better suited for pregnancy than many women I see come through. Other than for her age, she would not have been high-risk before this pregnancy. Gallstones are very common in the populace and have zip to do with the pregnancy. This family takes care of their kids...no abuse, no neglect and no debt. Whatever their religious beliefs, they teach their kids to be responsible members of society. Sure wish I could say that about the rest of the population. It does sound like she developed pre-eclampsia in this pregnancy, necessitating emergency delivery of the baby (which is the cure.) Pre-eclampsia can happen in any pregnancy and the cause is unknown. I has nothing to do with her history of 18 living children.
8 months ago: About the "idiots" out here who believe that 19 children...HELLO! 19 CHILDREN, is a bit over the top...don't tell me let me guess, "Mommd" -A mother, Fundamentalist Christian.....a firm believer in no birth control, am I right? Well, sorry but some of "the idiots" out here don't happen to believe that God will save the earth from over-population of the human kind. If He made us. He knows we can be our own worst enemy. Surely, we are expected to figure it all out on our own and quit this insanity of entitlement before it's too late....surely.

This one family isn't enough to single-handedly bring about an overpopulation explosion. They shop at second hand stores and buy their food in bulk and don't 'live off social services, you're right. They also don't believe in the public education system. They don't believe in television (ironically enough since they're on TV weekly) They control computer access (hmm..wonder what that means?) Their mother teaches them at home. Is she a trained educator? (Ah..not)

Gimme me a break! Even if they never buy a single item and recycle everything in their lives, this is a family with 18 healthy children and one potentially disabled one. Each of these kids has been raised to believe not only that they should have as many kids as they want but ....that they ought to do so. Since they aren't even allowed to watch responsible programming on TV and are closely monitored on the computer and are home-schooled, how do you think these 19 kids are going to contribute to the world the way it currently operates? Are they all gonna' sell used cars- like the oldest son is doing right now?
Geesh!
8 months ago: Sorry to disappoint you. My moniker, "mommd", indicates that I am a mom--of ONE, by the way--and an MD. I would've thought most would have gotten that one, but, hmmm... I'm not closed minded enough to condemn this family for their views just because they are different from mine. Our nation was founded on the principle of "freedom". In the US, we do not restrict family size. If you like that paradigm, try China. This is not China. This family provides for all of the needs of their children (without my tax dollars subsidizing them!), they teach their kids to be courteous of others, obey rules and laws, conserve and not waste, work hard and be responsible. Society should rightfully be able to ask that of all parents. I'll save my complaints for those who fail to meet those obligations. Further, I think responsible parents limit their children's access to TV and internet. You don't have to be a "Quiverfull" Christian to think X rated porn web sites or blood and gore filled television programming are bad for kids. Children are only young for awhile and, even the Duggar children will grow up one day and they can decide for themselves then what they want to see.
8 months ago: And not all of us grow up to be doctors and lawyers--there are plenty of ways to contribute to society without an MD or a JD. You condemn homeschooling--how much do you know about it? I was a licensed teacher once..public school has plenty of problems. I’ve seen some very well-educated homeschool kids (and no, mine was in public, now in private.) I would postulate that this family's footprint is probably smaller than two average 4-person households. And, if they raise their children to conserve, recycle and not waste, their impact will be less in the long run than a family with far fewer children who raises them to be wasteful. It seems to me that your ire has more to do with your own hatred of conservative Christianity than it has to do with anything else about this family. I don't understand the concept of wasting so much energy hating a certain philosophy. Can't you just..not be one...and disengage?
8 months ago: Yup, three university degrees and decades of teaching experience to all grades from K to 8 in the public system of a large metropolitan area have certainly proven to me that the public education system is far from perfect! However, I would submit that when a child is given no choice in the matter and schooled at home, he/she is being subjected to certain "parental filters". Are you going to tell me that these parents do this for any other reason than their concern about exposing these kids to society? Don't you watch the show?

Parents who school their children at home are almost universally concerned that the public system is morally and/or pedagogically opposed to their own personal beliefs.. Well-founded or not, there is certainly a price to pay and it is well-documented. I have taught kids who have previously been home-schooled. Usually, it takes time for them to adjust - both socially as well as along the learning continuum. I have no problem with whatever kids choose to do with their lives but what if any of these kids want to go to college? Can "mom's education" prepare them adequately without any outside support? Interesting question!

And just to clarify, I do not hate conservative Christianity. Suffice it to say, that 19 KIDS, is excessive. These people have the right to do as they choose but that doesn't mean everyone else has to support it. I don't.

So...why don't you have 19 children? Toll on the body? Financial restrictions maybe? Time involved? Responsible parenting factor? I rest my case...
8 months ago: I don't have 19 kids because I don't want them. That's my right. If Michelle Duggar wants 19 kids, that's her right. I don't have to "support" her philosophies--I support her FREEDOM. It's excessive to overeat, but it's legal. It's excessive to get drunk--people do it. It's excessive to drive SUV's with only the driver--people do it every day. Can you really think of nothing better to complain about than this family? So they homeschool their kids--big deal! Plenty of kids go on to college and do just fine after only a basic HS education--received at home or in the public school system. There are a TON of educational resources out there, so it's misguided to assume that the only educational resource available to these children is mom. We had several kids in my med school class who were home-schooled, by the way, and they had no problems, whatsoever. It is probably true that these parents homeschool because they want to indoctrinate their children in their own value system and they feel that the value system imposed upon them via the school district is contrary to their beliefs. Guess what? That's their RIGHT. It's no different from the Muslim or Jewish families that I know that send their children to their own religious schools--for the exact same reasons. Somehow, that's okay for Muslims and Jews, but not Christians. Hmmm. I also fail to see how the public school system's value system is intrinsically superior to this family's.
8 months ago: Can you please explain this line from your comment regarding homeschooling: "Well-founded or not, there is certainly a price to pay and it is well-documented." There are negatives and positives associated with any educational environment. Further, different environments are better suited to children with different needs and learning styles. Families have a plethora of reasons for homeschooling or for seeking alternative educational environments of any kind. Public school is not implicitly superior for every child, nor is homeschooling. I do have friends who homeschool their children, and some of them do so for the types of reasons you cite...but some of them homeschool their children because their kids have ADHD or other learning differences and the public school system fell WAY short in providing for the needs of those children. So, the parents, being responsible adults who did not want to medicate their children into oblivion, chose to educate their children at home. It was a major sacrifice for those families, who put highly successful careers on hold to personally invest in their children. These parents that I know labored diligently over how to best educate their kids and ultimately did what they felt best for their child. Do I agree with their decisions? I don't have to...I support their freedom and I applaud them for being active in the educational process for their kids.
7 months ago: I am not surprized at the many 'politically correct' responses on this page. I feel that the U.S. has decided that quality parenting is of little value in our society. The Duggars are wonderful and caring people who are raising INCREDIBLE children. I would rather have 19 of their children than one child who grows up to be selfish, heartless, and unkind. They are better parents than I could ever hope to be. They are consistent and unselfish.
7 months ago: I think if any one thing bothers me about their family dynamics it would be that Michelle only raises the kids until she is ready to wean them and give the breast to the next baby, as soon as this takes place the baby is handed off to one of her older girls to raise. She raised her first few but as soon as she had a girl old enough to change diapers or feed a baby, the passing them on began. If she wants to mass reproduce that's fine but she needs to tend to them not leave them to her older girls.
I do pray for Josie, I cannot imagine she will be 'fine' at the very least she will have developmental delays etc...It is a very sad situation. Michelle needs to listen to the doctors and specialists about the risks in advanced maternal age. She needs to focus on being a grandmother to her grandchildren that starting to arrive now. Just MY opinion.

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