I realize that the Duggars have a family larger than most of us could even THINK about, but honestly, I found the flippancy of this story a little upsetting. As the mother of a premature baby myself, giving birth to a baby almost 4 months early is a tragic and very very scary thing. I clicked on the story's title with a terrible sinking feeling about another mother having had a premature baby to find out how she and the baby are doing (if that news is even available yet because this is the first I'm hearing of it). But you told the story like it's just another child, and since she has 18 others, then oh well! Who cares that having a premature baby is a devastating experience and the child likely faces a long road of hospitalizations and surgeries, right? Well I do. It's awful. And if you've been there, you know what I'm talking about.

Disappointed.

Christie,
I'm sorry you were disappointed...I truly did not mean to make light of the baby's prematurity. I actually wanted to make light only of my own inadequacy as a mom compared to this woman, because I certainly couldn't handle that many children! There haven't been many details yet about the baby's condition. That's why I said I'm hoping she and her mother will be in good health. I can't imagine how hard it is to have a baby that small, whether it is your first or your 20th.

Kate, I think disappointed is a little too sensitive. As a mother of 3 I totally got what you were referring to. I give Micheel Duggar So much credit for what she does. Praying for her little one

Prayers for Michelle and the baby!

Thanks for replying, I appreciate it. What I thought you meant was that you were tired from writing about it again (since you've probably written about it before.) But it's obvious I misunderstood. The topic is so serious to me that when I see ANYONE dealing with it, it just hurts my heart. So I was surprised to see it written lightheartedly. But thank you for clarifying, I do appreciate it.

I am with you Christie. A child be it your first or 19th is just as precious. A premature baby is a terrifying experience and the road ahead is going to be a long one for the Duggars and a HARD one for their little daughter. There is nothing to "joke" about an innocent child being born too soon... just because she happens to be the 19th child to parents who really want and love her doesn't make her "Less" important or expendable.

I agree with Christie. The tone of this post is shockingly offensive. A baby born as early as Josie is in no way assured to survive. This little baby has a long and hard road ahead of her. We should be offering our prayers and best wishes. Save the jokes about large families for another time.

I think Disappointed may have read the sentence like this

(I am getting tired *of* writing those words. Need to go lie down now.)

I think it's just a misunderstanding.

Shaunna, I don't think disappointed is "a little too sensitive" at all -- if you haven't been in her shoes, don't assume you can understand what having a baby months early is like.

I just saw a quote from their family spokesperson saying they expect the baby to be 'fine'. NO baby born 14 weeks early and under two pounds is guaranteed to come home at all, let alone be fine. I'm scared silly for them.

Having myself had a premature baby my prayers are with the Duggers and little Josie. It will be a long road for them. Think you are a little unsensitive to the situation that this remarkable family is facing right now. It doesn't matter if it is baby 19 or baby 1, each one is special. Please know you are in my prayers and hopw little Josie gives you as much plleasure as our 7 1/2 week premature son has given us.

I agree that it is disappointing, that one has the need to be fufulled with 18 plus children, but I do not believe that society should not pay for it.

Michelle did not do anything wrong, but the odds of having a risky delivery caught up with her.She and Jim Bob should have counted thier blessings and stopped. Who will pay for the medical bills for her and her baby.

As a Mother of three two of which were born at 25 & 29 weeks and weighing 1 lb 3oz and 1 lb 11oz I know what it is like to care for a premie, but with 18 siblings and the love this family has she will be growing strong in no time. BTW, my premmies are now 26 married and 2 children of her own and 24 with a Son. So from these little seeds come big things....

In response to Sonya. I guess you obviously do not watch the Duggar family's show. I dont understand your question about "Who will pay for the medical bills for her and her baby?"
The money will definately not be coming out of your pocket so that question is irrelevant. The Duggars live debt free. They do not use public or state assistance, Jim Bob and Michelle make sure that everything is taken care of and every single one of those kids is insured. This baby is a blessing to them and the reason for their multiple reproductions has to do with the fact that her second pregnancy ended in a miscarriage because of the birth control pill. They see every child they have as a blessing and are willing to take as many as God sees fit, which I happen to find very brave. I think too many people are jealous because these people have everything they need and more. Another thing, you say Michelle did nothing wrong, but the odds of having a risky delivery finally caught up with her. She is a very healthy woman, who has had no previous problems, why should she have been concerned during this pregnancy?
My prayers are with the Duggar family and their Blessed new baby.

In another article the baby is said to be stable.
As for sonya's comments - the Duggars are debt free and has been for years. Why assume that we have to pay for baby number 19?
We are more likely to pay for the first born of 100's of other women (and teenagers).

I send my prayers out to all the Duggars. Something like a baby being born early affects the whole family and friends. My daughter had twins at 6 months. One made it but the other didn't. So you see I know how it feels. I wish you the best and God's protection around all of you.

I OFFER MY PRAYERS FOR THEM ESPECIALLY THE LITTLE BABY WHO HAS A LONG ROAD BEFORE ANYONE CAN SAY SHE IS FINE BUT WITH GODS GRACE SHE WILL BE AND LETS HOPE GOD SAYS MICHELE HAS HAD ENOUGH AND SENDS THEM NO MORE!!!!!!!

My prayers and heart go out to Michelle and Jim Bob and their family. I just hope and pray that little Josie will be fine. With the modern technology we have these days, so many premature babies pull through and are fine. The Duggars are a remarkable family who have such a strong faith in God and this will sustain them during this trying time. I can't imagine not having a strong faith and having to face this. They don't believe in debt and are remarkable with living "debt free", something most of us just dream of! They have worked hard and didn't have it easy when they first married and started having their children. I just finished reading their book and it is wonderful! God Bless them and their family!

My prayers are with them as well. They are a great family who puts God first...Having a premature child myself, the road ahead will be very difficult for them...My son was 9 weeks early and it was one of the most challenging things I've ever had to face in my life! But God, family and friends prayed, prayed and prayed. May God keep them in the palm of His hand!

It is not correct to say that Michelle had no reason for concern during this pregnancy. Her age and the number of previous pregnancies greatly increased her risks of pregnancy complications and/or premature birth. This tiny baby will suffer the consequences of those decisions. My prayers are with the family and I hope they choose to not endanger future infants.

The Duggar's are good people raising good kids, who put their trust in God with each and every baby they have. She is an inspiration to moms everywhere. We will be praying for little Josie. I know God will work a miracle in her!
For all the people out there that talk smack about their family size, let me put it this way. I would rather have people like Michelle and Jim Bob populating the earth, raising good kids to be responsible, well rounded members of society. There are a lot of screwed up people in the world that should stay out of the gene pool!

In response to Randi comment about medical care. The fact that the Duggars may have "every one of their children insured" means nothing. They are contributing to rising health care costs in this country. What do you think premie care in a hospital costs? I imagine several hundred thousands of dollars. Wasn't 18 children enough for them? Wait, silly me. "The Duggars, 18 and Counting means if they keep producing if they want their show to keep on being aired.

I would like to help point out to this family that maybe our Lord is trying to save Mrs.Duggars life so she will be here to love and care for the children he has already blessed her with. I can totally understand her love for children. I have that same love myself but i also understand that they need me to help teach them and mold them to be who they need to be in life that's what us moms are here for. I work in the medical profession and I know that she must have been warned of the dangers of continuing to have children. The opinions are a doubled edged sword of sorts. Some could say it isn't fair to the children who are already in there lives for them to continue to have children. Especially if there is a chance that mom could potentially die in the process. I guess I would advise this very strong , loving , iconic family to be content with your current gifts that the Lord has blessed you with and stay healthy and safe so that you may see them be families like that they GREW UP with. SIMPLY PUT BE THERE FOR THEM. Healthy and strong. And Bless You all.Lifes to short to take the risks that could end it . especially in this case.

The most Christian act of ALL would be to adopt children who need families, homes, and love. To have this many of their own children is exceedingly selfish. God would have smiled down upon them just as much and maybe even more if they had, say, 10 of their own then adopted 9. Michelle feels she's so blessed by God because He's given her this many children, yet MANY women could have that many children, however they opt not to for environmental and other reasons, and they are not sinners; they are respectable.

Statement from the Hospital where Michelle delivered Josie Brooklyn:

"During Mrs. Duggar’s admission to University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to evaluate pain related to gall bladder disease, her workup revealed signs and symptoms consistent with a condition known as preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disease that affects 5 to 8% of all pregnancies and is characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.

Thursday evening, December 10, the obstetrical and neonatal teams reached the collaborative decision that Mrs. Duggar needed an emergency c-section to ensure the blood pressure problem would not be detrimental to her or the baby.

Josie Brooklyn was born at 6:27 pm, weighed 1 lb., 6 oz, measured 30 cm long and is currently in stable condition. Michelle is recovering well from surgery.

UAMS is the best place for Mom and baby, as we have a state of the art NICU care facility with some of the top neonatal doctors in the world.” -- Paul Wendel, M.D., Director, UAMS Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Praise the Lord for giving us
choice! No babies, one baby, many babies, He loves us all.
God bless us every one.

I, too, am a little taken back at the lack of seriousness of this situation. My first child was born 4 WEEKS early and I was terrified-he didn't want to breath and had "dusking phases". He weighed 5 lb 11 oz, I can't image a baby at 1 lb 6oz.. Please people, just pray that this little one will not have any complications or long term medical conditions.

Sad that this latest Duggar baby was born so early, and I hope she survives.

However, we're talking about reality-TV stars now, not just a family -- so what a boon for the TV show to have a suspenseful premature birth. More excitement! As if having 18 kids isn't exhibitionistic enough.

congratultions on your new baby. you're family is such an inspiration to me and i wish you guys well and believe it or not i can say all 19 kids in order fast and without stopping even though im only 15. that's how much i watch your show.even though im only 15.

instead of all the criticism and speculating ,pray HARD ,for precious Baby Josey,she has her own little identity and life,and deserves to be here .

Certainly hope little Josey will be fine But it's time Jim Bob and Michele Stopped having babies. This was a warning to them that bad things could happen giving birth at Michele's age.

My family 15 kids. Good luck with baby # 19

Michelle and Jim Bob and the whole family. Michelle, you are a blessed and amazing woman. I watch how your whole family lives and loves each other. I thank God you and Josie are okay. I can only hope that the whole world can learn from your experiences you all have together. May God hold you all in his warm embrace forever!

it is not OK to have 19 kids. it is just ridiculous and irresponsible. There should be a law. what is she teaching her kids and why is TV giving her a showcase to this immature behavior.. It is not god's will to let someone do this. I'd say it is the devil in her. She needs her tubes tied for sure. she is like a dam jackabbit wth her litter