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Michelle Duggar: I would have a 20th child

Tue Aug 3, 2010 9:43 AM EDT
health, today-people, home, only-on-msnbc-com, she, michelle, little-rock, shes, duggar, michelle-duggar, jim-bob, josie
msnbc.com News — Mike Celizic, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
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— Surrounded by 18 children and one grandchild, Michelle Duggar dandled her newest baby on her knee and said she would risk another premature birth to add a 20th child to the brood she shares with husband Jim Bob.

“When we look at Josie — we were just talking about it this morning — and I thought, even knowing that we went through the challenge that we did, we would do it again,” the supermom told TODAY’s Meredith Vieira Tuesday from the family home in Springdale, Ark.

“The precious life that we see here is not a coincidence,” she added. “I just know that it is a miracle. I don’t take that for granted. I know that God is the one who gives life, and I’m just so grateful and thankful. We would welcome another if He saw fit, but we’ll wait and see.”

Difficult birth
Michelle Duggar experienced gall-bladder problems and a dangerous case of preeclampsia while pregnant with Josie. To save Michelle’s life, doctors in one of Arkansas’ premier hospitals delivered Josie 3½ months prematurely in early December. The infant weighed 1 pound, 6 ounces. Her head was the size of a cue ball.

Michelle rapidly recovered, but Josie endured a series of medical emergencies, including a perforated bowel. She was finally sent home from Arkansas Children’s Hospital in April, but was rushed back with digestive problems that turned out to be lactose intolerance.

Josie was released again in June, more than seven months after her birth — and, the Duggars said Tuesday, has been thriving ever since.

“She is doing remarkable,” Michelle said of Josie, whose head was festooned with a huge pink bow and headband. “She weighs 11 pounds and 6 ounces, so she’s gained 10 pounds since she was born, and she’s doing wonderful. We are so grateful.”

The Duggars are conservative Christians who believe in having as many children as possible. The older girls take care of the smaller children, and all are home-schooled in their 7,000-square-foot home. The family stars in the TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting,” which kicks off its fifth season Tuesday night.

Jim Bob Duggar agreed that Josie is doing very well. “They say by the time she’s 2 years old, she should catch up with someone developmentally who’s 2 years old. It’s amazing how well she’s doing. We’re just so thankful to God that she is thriving and doing well,” he told Vieira.

The infant still breathes supplemental oxygen when she’s sleeping, but the family said doctors say she’s developing normally.

Michelle confirmed that her health is back to normal. “I definitely feel much better than I did seven and a half months ago with preeclampsia. My blood pressure is great now, and I feel good. I’m really thankful; just so grateful to have Josie,” she said.

No place like home
While Josie was in the hospital, the family moved to Little Rock to be closer to her. The two oldest sons stayed at home to take care of the family’s real estate and used-car businesses. The family expressed delight at being back in their home.

“Everybody’s loving being back home,” Jill Duggar, 18, said. “The time in Little Rock was good; we were able to spend a lot of good family time together. But being back home — there’s no place like home. So we are loving it and getting back into the swing of things here.”

Josiah Duggar, 13, said Josie, “is fitting in pretty well.”

The oldest Duggar, Josh, is 22 and married to Anna, whose first child, Mackynzie, is two months older than Josie. Twins Jana and John-David, 20, recently returned from a church mission to Asia, the first time they had been so far away from home.

All the Duggar children have names beginning with the letter J. They are Josh, 22; twins Jana and John-David, 20; Jill, 18; Jessa, 17; Jinger, 16; Joseph, 15; Josiah, 13; Joy-Anna, 12; twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah, 11; Jason, 9; James, 8; Justin, 7; Jackson, 5; Johannah, 4; Jennifer, 2; Jordyn-Grace, 1; and Josie Brooklyn, 8 months.

Michelle, who likes to say that having too many children would be like having too many flowers, repeatedly expressed her gratitude at having Josie home and healthy.

“We have this precious gift, and it’s a miracle,” she said.

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  • Public Discussion (26)
Becky Fischer

Yes, keep having babies for the older girls to raise. I was brought up with 8 siblings,and funny thiong,my Mother took care of each one of us! None of us were tethered with a younger sibling. Maybe Michelle ought to try that! The ollder girls are always carrying a baby or two, and Michelle is just sitting there smiling a giggling! I want what she is on!!!!

  • 2 votes
Reply#1 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 12:47 PM EDT
IKIA99

Well, I can't be too judgemental! In the 1920's, my father was the oldest boy of 19 brothers and sisters. His baby-making mother (my grandmother) had two sets of twins and she brushed off most of her responsibilities to her older children, which was sad! Needless to say, I have a zillion relatives and my dad's family photo looks more like an entire school's photo. The oldest girl in the family never married and never wanted kids because by the time she got away from all of the kids and chaos... she was tired and didn't want to have anything to do with men, because it could lead to having kids. That's the sad part of what can happen in a large family. She lived a life, without any companionship, whatsoever and she was very beautiful inside and out! I came from a large family too and it really sucked! Being one of the youngest, I never got anything new, several of my birthday's were forgotten, I never had one single birthday party thrown for me and we were lucky to get even one present for Christmas. I also got beat up pretty much on a daily basis. I only had five brothers and sisters and I felt completely lost and I was very lonely even though I was never alone! There's good and bad to every family. I know people who only have one child and they couldn't raise him or her right at any cost; therefore, if someone is doing a good job and the kids are happy, who are we to judge! If you don't like their show, don't watch it! It's a huge sacrifice to having cameras following you around 24/7 and most people couldn't even handle that kind of attention. Regardless, they make it work and the seem to be enjoying it! I'd rather watch them doing everyday stuff then the freaks and weirdos on the other shows that do not even know proper English or even worse, look like creatures from my nightmares. Give the "Duggars" a break and like I said, don't watch the show if it bothers you and stop reading these types of articles... because, unless you have lived their lives... you don't know what you're talking about! Really, the non-supportive people... "Get off of your fricken high horses and away from your stupid & mean "clown car vagina" comments and be happy that the Duggars are at least raising decent and responsible children. It really sounds like a lot of you are jealous, immature, idiots!

    #1.1 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 9:04 PM EDT
    Reply
    Rhazes

    I know these people are rich and can afford it but they are using up the resources 5-6 families and their children are talking about doing the same their mother has.

    There is no need for this we are not in the 1100s plagues are not wiping out large percentages of the population every year.

    • 3 votes
    Reply#2 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 1:14 PM EDT
    april g

    there comes a point when you say enough is enough yes god does bless us with being able to give life not how many lifes we bring in to the world it is obvious any woman can be a christian woman and have 20 kids or more but when one of your children almost dont make it and you decide that you would have another you are just being selfish when you know that you have medical problems and problably wearing your body down having so many children close together and you take the risk to have another child knowing something worse could possibly happen you cant say your living under god cause your making your own choice and i watch the show and they are great people and kids but after i hear that just got to put my foot down and say i will no longer watch or support that glad baby josie made a full recovery!

    • 1 vote
    Reply#3 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 1:28 PM EDT
    Amy -2118687

    If people would stop watching TLC and Today show segments maybe they would get the hint and STOP having kids. They only do it to keep their name in the public eye.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#4 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 1:35 PM EDT
    chels_71486

    I just don't understand why a MOTHER would risk having another pre-mature baby!!!! What kind of mother would get pregnant KNOWING that the child has a good chance he/she will be pre-mature with some serious health risks. To me that SELFISH!!!! I don't think anyone should give them the time of day anymore. Enough is enough. Try thinking of that unborn child for a moment. Yeah, they have 19 kids.... crazy...... perhaps, but who cares. I am just happy that their last has survived with no known health risks. But they may not be so lucky with #20..... I wonder how many miscarriages she has had because her body is getting so worn out from being pregnant all the time. Enjoy the children you do have and quit trying to make a record.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#5 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 1:44 PM EDT
    justsaying'

    Enough already.....of you, kids, your publicity and your God rant.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#6 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 2:25 PM EDT
    Rich from CT

    Dear Duggar Family:

    I implore you. I'm begging you. PLEADING with you. STOP. just stop. PLEASE.

    The world is too populated as it is without your version of 'nationbuilding'. Shut down the baby factory. Turn out the lights and back away from each other.

    You make the Octo-mom look sane.

    -Rich in CT

    • 3 votes
    Reply#7 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 4:28 PM EDT
    clampett

    Sew it up sister!!!

    • 2 votes
    Reply#8 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 6:11 PM EDT
    Starshine-412513

    OMG. What the Hell? Who takes care of all of these kids? Where does the money come from, its a sure thing one income can't do it. So who is paying for all of these kids??????

    Do the older ones work to pay for the younger ones??? Do they ask the older ones if they want another kid to take care of???

    This is insane. There should be a law like in China for those people.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#9 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 6:12 PM EDT
    clampett

    Besides using the needle take some scissors also:)

      Reply#10 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 6:13 PM EDT
      gm-2124871

      I wonder just how much we as tax payers are shelling out to support their irresponsibility how can they properly take care of all those kids?

      • 1 vote
      Reply#11 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 6:48 PM EDT
      clampett

      My saying exactly.

      • 1 vote
      #11.1 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 9:59 PM EDT
      Reply
      plumbergirl

      It is an addiction as any other. It is just unfortunate the children have to suffer. What addiction or problem will they encounter from their unconventional childhoods?

      • 1 vote
      Reply#12 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 10:23 PM EDT
      rachface

      The Duggars make me physically sick. How could a parent want another child after seeing one struggle so much just in her first year of life? Josie is almost a YEAR behind where she needs to be developmentally. It is not worth the risk of putting your baby's health in danger just because you want to serve God.

      There are so many people in this world who can't have children, and it seems unfair to me that the Duggars show off their family like this. The Duggar children don't deserve to grow up this way; they need parents to accept that the family they have already created is enough of a gift to love, nurture, and be thankful for.

      • 2 votes
      Reply#13 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 10:46 PM EDT
      bt321

      Michelle thinks birthing is the only talent she has! She would be a much better mother to stop the mass production and actually care for her exixting children. Mr. Duggar is a selfish, egotistical butt. If he really loved her, he wouldn't want her to risk her life with so many pregnancies.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#14 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 11:25 PM EDT
      justsaying'

      Why.....are they impaired?

        #14.1 - Wed Aug 11, 2010 12:06 PM EDT
        Reply
        bt321

        One more thing....I think when they get to the pearly gates and have to answer for their life decisions that God will be very unhappy with them. They are a mockery of Christianity. Making people think that it's God's will that Jim Bob keep her pregnant is sick!!! Remember, God gives us a free. Some of those decisions please God and some do not!

        • 1 vote
        Reply#15 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 11:32 PM EDT
        bt321

        A free will. He gives us a free will.

          Reply#16 - Tue Aug 3, 2010 11:33 PM EDT
          Dr.J74

          This is just plain irresponsible. Are they going to give each and every one of the 19 children the same time, support, education, etc???? Aaahhh I don't think so. Plus, what is the message they want to send out?? Let's everyone go out and have 20 babies....yeah let's devour the Earth as fast as we can...because it's not like we're consuming it right now, right?? This always reminds me of the Matrix, when Agent Smith tells Morpheus, you humans are like a virus, you just multiply until you've consumed every natural resource and then move on. What is the contribution the Duggars are making to the world?? uhhh 19 mouths to feed, thank you very much!!!

          • 3 votes
          Reply#17 - Wed Aug 4, 2010 1:08 AM EDT
          Dr.J74

          Not only is the baby's life in jeopardy but the mom's. I bet you if they didn't have money, than no one would be saying let them to what they want, like if have 19 kids from one family isn't a taking a toll on Mother Earth.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#18 - Wed Aug 4, 2010 1:11 AM EDT
          Human KJ3

          This is bull. Anyone who is this eager to risk a newborn's life with countless health hazards is obviously a selfish attention seeker. With 20 kids there is no way she can give any of them the personalized attention children need while they're growing up. This kind of stuff makes me angry, especially because in the end she gets the publicity she's after.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#19 - Fri Aug 6, 2010 12:18 AM EDT
          Britlassy

          Strictly from a medical point of view, she should be careful, if carrying yet the 20th child, there is a clear and present danger to the infant just falling out.. being that her Uterus muscles are stretch out like an old rubber band...

          The older children are the moms and dad's of the younger ones..... ya know... the 'buddy system'

          If I hear one more reference to modesty .... I am going to send swim trunks ,...... speedo's for all the males and bikinis for mum and all the girls...and whats with the same hairstyle, I do not refer to the length... but rather to the part and bangs tucked in.............geeze...................

          • 4 votes
          Reply#20 - Fri Aug 6, 2010 3:48 AM EDT
          sunnybunny1269

          I think they are really wierd and it doesn't seem like a good health choice to continue having babies, but I do support their right to choose. I'd like to see them stop before anything worse happens though. I hope they pray about it and decide to do the sensible thing. Doubtful though.

            Reply#21 - Fri Aug 6, 2010 11:34 AM EDT
            Sierra-1137308

            I can't imagine having so many children. It really can have a lasting impact on the older children. My husband has 2 younger siblings that he was 100% responsible for raising. He was 10 and they were a newborn and a one year old. The babies' crying from my husband's alarm clock waking him up for ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was too disruptive for his idiot step-father so the babies's cribs were put into his room. This way when the babies woke up, my husband would have to change their diapers and feed them BEFORE he left for school. His mother and step-father would leave him alone with the babies for weeks in the summer while they went off and did whatever. They were both unemployed so there was no telling when they would be back. At 16 my husband got a job and then at 17 a car and then got the h**l out of there. He put himself through college and law school while sleeping on another relative's couch. He is successful and we live in our own home. But he never wants children because he felt burdened by it as a child and he doesn't want his lingering resentment transferred to any child of his.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#22 - Sat Aug 7, 2010 3:26 PM EDT
            thiscantbe

            Please, stop having kids, your body is trying to tell you something, IT'S TIRED!

            • 1 vote
            Reply#23 - Sat Aug 7, 2010 7:50 PM EDT
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