Erin Bates Discharged from Hospital After Life-Threatening Postpartum Health Scare
Reality TV star Erin Bates Paine, known from Bringing Up Bates, is finally home after a harrowing three-week hospital stay. The 34-year-old mother of seven was released on September 13, 2025, following severe complications from the birth of her youngest son, including septic shock and a major seizure. In an emotional Instagram post, Erin shared her relief, writing, “After almost three weeks in the hospital, I have never been so thankful to finally head home to our babies.”
The Health Scare: A Rapid Deterioration After Baby Henry’s Birth
Erin’s ordeal began shortly after welcoming son Henry Blythe Paine on August 25, 2025. The couple announced his arrival with joy, describing the labor as “long and emotional” but celebrating their “miracle.” However, just days later, Erin developed a severe urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney infection that escalated into septic shock—a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ failure.
By early September, her condition worsened dramatically. On September 4, husband Chad Paine revealed that Erin had suffered a “lengthy and severe seizure,” leaving her extremely weak and requiring intensive care. Chad shared a heartbreaking video of hospital staff holding her down during the episode, noting, “It has completely broken my heart to watch my Erin walk through such pain.” Despite the trauma, he praised her resilience, saying she continued to praise God and show kindness to the medical team amid the chaos.
Erin’s history of health challenges added context to the crisis. Prior to her first pregnancy in 2015, she endured three miscarriages linked to a blood-clotting disorder. Her parents, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, later explained that doctors were “puzzled” by her symptoms, with the diagnosis shifting several times during her stay. “Her condition has changed often,” they shared on September 12, highlighting the uncertainty that gripped the family.
Hospital Transfers and Family’s Emotional Rollercoaster
Erin’s treatment involved multiple facilities, underscoring the severity of her case. Initially admitted to the ICU, she was transferred to a new hospital on September 9, where a specialized team took over. Chad described the move as a step forward, crediting the compassionate nurses who “became like family” during the ordeal.
Throughout the hospitalization, the Paine family leaned on faith and community support. Chad read an emotional letter from their 8-year-old daughter to Erin in the hospital, a moment captured in a touching video that moved fans worldwide. By September 6, Erin was well enough to cuddle baby Henry in her hospital bed, a milestone the couple celebrated with a video update: “With tears in our eyes, we are praising the Lord that we are on the road to recovery.”
Baby Henry, who spent time in the NICU, is now thriving and joining his siblings at home. The Paines have six other children: Carson (11), Brooklyn (9), Everly (7), Finley (5), Jaden (3), and Willow (1). Erin’s discharge photos show her beaming as she leaves with Chad and Henry, a stark contrast to the fear of recent weeks.
Public Reaction: Waves of Support and Prayers
News of Erin’s scare drew an outpouring of love from fans and fellow Bringing Up Bates stars. Sister Michaela Bates thanked supporters on Instagram, writing, “A huge thank you to everyone who has been praying for my sister Erin and her family over the past few days.” Comments flooded the family’s posts: “I’m so happy to see this!!! God is so good! Praying for a full and complete recovery,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Wonderful you are home. Hopefully you will have some answers soon!”
The Bates family, known for their large clan and wholesome reality show that aired on UPtv from 2015 to 2021, has long inspired viewers with their faith-centered life. Erin’s story resonated deeply, sparking discussions on postpartum health risks and the importance of early intervention for infections.
Ongoing Recovery: Challenges Ahead but Hope on the Horizon
While home at last, Erin’s journey isn’t over. She revealed in her discharge post that she still lacks function in her right leg, a lingering effect of the seizure and shock. “We don’t have all the answers yet,” she admitted, but emphasized gratitude: “We are choosing to count every blessing—especially the gift of being together again.” Chad echoed this, noting on September 9 that “recovery is not fast or easy, but we are deeply thankful for every small step forward.”
Medical experts emphasize that septic shock recovery can take months, involving physical therapy and monitoring for complications like organ damage. For new moms, this case highlights the dangers of postpartum infections, which affect up to 10% of women and can escalate quickly if untreated.
The Paines, married since 2013 after meeting at a church event, have faced hardships before, including Erin’s miscarriages and family privacy battles. Their unwavering faith has been a cornerstone, with Chad often sharing Bible verses amid updates.
Looking Forward: A Family’s Renewed Strength
Erin’s discharge marks a turning point after weeks of uncertainty, but it also underscores the fragility of postpartum health. As the Paines reunite with their brood, fans continue to send prayers for full healing. “Your prayers have carried us through and mean the world to our family,” Erin wrote, a testament to the support that’s sustained them.
For the Bringing Up Bates faithful, this chapter reinforces the show’s themes of resilience and family bonds. While Erin focuses on recovery, her story serves as a vital reminder: Postpartum care matters, and seeking help early can save lives. As Chad put it, amid the “heartache,” their family is “back in a place of hope.” Here’s to brighter days ahead for the Paines.