Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar welcomed their 19th baby earlier this month, but Josie Brooklyn came earlier than expected. Now, according to People magazine, Michelle has been released from the hospital, leaving behind their tiny new baby, who weighed just 1 pound, 6 oz at birth.
“Josie is doing as well as can be expected for a baby at her age. We are taking each hour as it comes,” Michelle said. “We feel so blessed that God has given us to her and are cherishing every moment with her.”
Michelle had an emergency C-section while she was in the hospital recovering from a gallstone. Michelle’s doctors said the baby was born prematurely because Michelle suffered from preeclampsia, a rare condition during pregnancy that causes high blood pressure.
Jim Bob says the family is “very grateful” for the support, love and prayers they have received from around the country. “God’s will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts,” he said. “Our children’s spiritual maturity is going to deepen so much through this, in a way that couldn’t happen any other way.” He added, “This is so difficult, but I know that we are leaving this in God’s hands.”
Michelle, Jim Bob and their 18 other children are featured on the TLC series 18 Kids and Counting.
