Erin Bates’ Journey Home After Life-Threatening Complications
After nearly three weeks in the hospital, Bringing Up Bates star Erin Bates has finally returned home following a harrowing medical ordeal that began with the birth of her seventh child. Her husband Chad Paine shared the emotional news on Instagram, posting photos of Erin leaving the hospital with their newborn son Henry. “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,” Erin wrote. This homecoming marks the end of a frightening chapter for the family, who had been separated while Erin fought for her life in the hospital. The couple has been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received, with Chad noting that prayers from fans and loved ones “have carried us through and mean the world to our family.”
The medical crisis began on August 25 when Erin, one of 19 children in the Bates family, gave birth to baby Henry after what was described as “a long and emotional labor.” While initial announcements celebrated their “miracle” arrival, it quickly became apparent that Erin was facing serious complications. Just days after the birth, Chad revealed the severity of the situation on social media, sharing that Erin had developed a severe UTI and kidney infection that escalated to septic shock, requiring her to be treated in the ICU. Despite these challenges, Chad remarked on his wife’s remarkable spirit, saying she “has been such a light and sweet testimony of grace to nurses, staff, and doctors alike,” showing kindness and gratitude even while enduring significant pain. Throughout this ordeal, baby Henry remained in the NICU but was reported to be doing well.
The family’s trial intensified on September 4 when Erin suffered what Chad described as “a lengthy and severe seizure.” This frightening development came just as her infection appeared to be improving, plunging the family back into uncertainty and fear. “She is in the ICU, and the doctors are running scans and tests to determine the cause,” Chad shared in an emotional update. “Erin is extremely weak and spent hours only half conscious.” For Chad, watching his wife’s struggle was “one of the hardest things” he’s ever experienced, prompting him to reflect on their deep bond: “I love her more deeply than words can express, and I can’t even imagine life without my best friend.” Despite the overwhelming situation, the family maintained their faith, with Chad expressing that “healing is coming, even in the midst of the unknown.”
This medical emergency follows a pattern of challenges in Erin and Chad’s journey to parenthood. The couple, who married in 2013, experienced multiple miscarriages before building their family of now seven children: Carson (born 2015), Brooklyn (2016), Everly (2018), Holland (2019), Finley (2022), William (2023), and now baby Henry. Erin has previously spoken candidly about the emotional toll of pregnancy loss. “Going through a miscarriage is one of the hardest things,” she told People magazine in 2015. “You build up all these expectations, and you prepare, and you have the date in your mind, and it’s just heartbreaking when that ends. It’s like your world’s been crushed.” Despite these heartbreaks, Erin noted that facing difficulties strengthened her marriage, saying, “When you go through something difficult, it just makes you all the more strong and it makes you look to each other for comfort.”
The Paine family’s resilience through repeated challenges reflects their deep faith and commitment to finding meaning in suffering. Erin has consistently framed her struggles as opportunities to connect with and encourage others facing similar situations. “It made us look to the other people who had gone through difficult situations and really, hopefully, encouraged them through it, as well,” she explained. This perspective has helped them navigate not only pregnancy losses but now this life-threatening postpartum complication. The family’s openness about their medical journey has created a powerful connection with their followers, many of whom have rallied around them with messages of support and prayer during this difficult time.
Viewers first met Erin as part of the large Bates family on the UPtv reality series Bringing Up Bates, which aired from 2015 to 2021. The show followed the lives of Kelly Jo and Gil Bates and their 19 children, offering a glimpse into their conservative Christian lifestyle. Though the series ended two years ago, fans have continued to follow the family’s individual journeys through social media. Now, as Erin begins her recovery at home, still facing uncertainty about her right leg function and other potential long-term effects of her medical crisis, the family is focusing on being reunited and embracing the joy of having their newest addition home safely. While questions about her health remain, their message has consistently emphasized gratitude for every small improvement and the comfort they find in their faith and in each other.
