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Filed under: Celeb Kids, Celeb Parents, In The News, Twins, Triplets, Multiples, Celeb News & Interviews
Michelle Duggar teaches baby Josie to love the camera. Credit: Jim Bob Duggar
But the reality TV star of 19 Kids and Counting has got it covered. The 43-year-old uber mom spoke to ParentDish by phone yesterday about life with a preemie, the surprising cause of her baby's upset tummy and her own plans for losing the (19th) baby weight. An edited version of the interview follows.
ParentDish: Welcome home. How are you feeling?
Michelle Duggar: I'm doing good. I feel much better than I did 7½ months ago, that's for sure. I'm so glad to have Josie home.
PD: Tell me about Josie? Is she your first preemie?
MD: Our second set of twins, Jedidiah and Jeremiah, came at about five weeks before their due date, but they were 5 lbs. each. They were in the hospital for about nine days. Jeremiah's lung collapsed and he had antibiotics. They're 11 years old now and just fine.
PD: Now about Josie.
MD: We are so thankful. It could've been much more serious. We're grateful that it was a diet change that made the difference for her. We changed from breast milk to a predigested formula that has no lactose, and within 12 hours she was better. And, within a week, she was pooing on her own, without us having to give her an enema. She was a totally different baby a week later.
PD: Wow, breast milk was the culprit?
MD: Typically, they never want to take a preemie off breast milk, but in her case the lactose in my milk was causing a problem. Her body was not producing lactase, which breaks down the lactose.











ReaderComments (Page 1 of 13)
8-03-2010 @ 7:34AM
Sue said...BIRTH CONTROL......THE BABIES DON'T NEED TO START LIFE LIKE JOSEY DID....
Reply
8-03-2010 @ 7:41AM
Kori said...Just because a baby is preterm doesn't mean that they should stop having children. There are preterm children everyday to first time parents. I work in the ward at the hospital that cares for them, I know. Don't make comments like this without looking up the facts. It's just negative and we need more positive in the world.
8-03-2010 @ 7:50AM
Ann said...She is nothing but a breeder and needs a long, long, long rest and he is an egomaniac and needs a few quick nips in his bud.
8-03-2010 @ 9:18AM
patty said...What a beautiful baby ! Congrats to the Duggars on the new addition. God bless.........................
8-03-2010 @ 9:52AM
Elida said...Why don't you haters worry about the people that have children so they can claim more welfare and not this family who has provided a loving home to all their children. Who are you to tell someone not to have a child or as many children as they can comfortably afford to raise. Michelle is raising 19 amazing children. Each one of her children have respect and family values. I know families with one child that can not control. Don't judge just give support to such a wonderful, loving family
Elida
8-04-2010 @ 7:35PM
ann said...The Duggars portray a perfect example of what families should be in a world where family values are so desperately needed. I admire them and am so happy their family is doing well. And they are even reinforcing the need for germ control, which is often overlooked. I can't understand the negativity and hope it is ignored as it is not necessary!!!
8-03-2010 @ 10:16AM
KAT said...OMG! This family or brood is one of the worst cases of child abuse I have ever seen. These people are nothing but Gold Diggers and using all these innocent children as their pawns. No woman is meant to have 19 children. Why would you,unless perhaps there were big bucks involved. How did this even come to b e? This show can't continue unless the babies keep coming. And, they most likely will. Michelle is getting too old to be having children in the first place and if all Josie has to deal with throughout her life is be lactose intollerant, she'll be lucky. This is a shame. Has Children and Family Services ever checked in on these people. The kids are taking care of the kids from where I stand. Disgusting. Have they never heard of birthcontrol?
8-04-2010 @ 7:38PM
TLCviewer said...I'm sure they seem like nice people. However, it seems that some have the delusion that it's possible in real life to have so many children and live the lifestyle they do on the income they have---no. They get income from the network. A lot of their appliances and goods are donated to them by sponsors. Otherwise, they would probably be on welfare or other government assistance.
8-03-2010 @ 10:39AM
mary said...There is so much misery and sadness in the world. The birth of this beautiful baby is a miracle that only God gives. Josie is a blessing as are all children. Please stop judging. Bless you Duggers.
8-03-2010 @ 10:43AM
kathie call said...Its all about the money. Who in their right mind is going to have that many kids ?? I think its crazy, but she'll keep having more I guess. Better her then me !!!!!! I aslo think it's sad that they keep having kids just for other people to keep them up
8-03-2010 @ 11:36AM
Alma McDermott said...Since when did you become God! Sorry, don't mean to be rude but there are many that have premies and go ahead to have prefect births.
Furthermore, Michelle and JimBob do have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so the rest should be between them; their decision.
Josie and Michelle had a rough go about them but they called out to the Lord and both are doing fine. I too was born with the same condition Josie has and back then my Mom was told I would not live to be a year old. They put me on a radio prayer chain and here I am fifty some years later, and that is the least of my worries.
And today there is even ice cream that is lactose tolerant.
For all you nay sayers, some who have one or two kids...and you know who you are....I'd rather be with these 19 kids than your two. These kids all respect their parents and each other! What a blessing! Anyone hating is just jealous they can't do as well!
8-03-2010 @ 12:10PM
sindi said...I dont understand why its okay for this woman to have so many babies and they give the "Octo" Mom such a hard time..really 19 kids??? Unbelievably selfish..
8-03-2010 @ 12:22PM
Nicole said...KAT, grow up...She is not on welfare, Michelle and her husband have taken care of all the kids. They do not cuss, they do not disrespect their elders, and they do not lie, cheat, or steal. They have a sense of family values that is so needed in this world. Just because they choose to let God decide how many kids they have is no reason to put them down. Did you know she was on birth control got pregnant then had a miscarrige because of the birth control? That is when she decided to let God decide how many kids she will have...I am not bible thumper or anything, I just know the whole story with the family. Research before you think. It will help you look less of a BITCH or an ASS when you do.
8-03-2010 @ 12:29PM
JC said...While I have enough on my hand with 3 kids they are doing very well. Their choices are not for everyone and they would be the first to admit that.
For those that say they would be on welfare if it werent' for the show. Do you know anything about the Duggars'? They were paying the rent just fine before they even got the couple of one hour specials previous to the regular show. It's called living frugally, not living beyond their means. They are being good stewards of whats been given to them. We all could use a dose of that.
They treat their children with respect and teach them strong, Godly morals. I see nothing wrong with it.
8-03-2010 @ 12:52PM
Neen said...1st of all they do not depend on the Network to pay for all these kids. They invested in Real Estate & Commercial Properties that pay for the bills. They have never taken a penny from the state and pay their taxes.
As for "Kat"s response that "No woman is meant to have 19 children" Have you not read any history books? Birth Control has not been around that long and for many, many years woman were having 10+ kids. My father-in-law is 84 and 1 of 11 so maybe you all read a little bit about the family before you call them "Gold Diggers", in it for the money.
Sindi- Octomom has been living on the State and could not take care of her 1st 6 kids let alone the 8 she just had. We are paying for them!
To"Mommy" just because you home school your children does not mean they will grow up ignorant. There are great home school programs out there where they score on the SAT's far higher then most public schools. Also, the oldest son is selling car at their parent’s car dealership and for a 1st job I would like to know what your child did. McDonalds, Taco Bell making minimum wage like most kids in America.
If you do not know the facts please read up on them before writing ignorant responses.
8-03-2010 @ 12:54PM
Susan said...What is wrong with these people!!!! And the people who support their horrific egomaniacal breeding??? This poor planet is bursting at the seams and when people like these fools continue to breed ad nauseum, they should be ostracized and not praised. This is ridiculous! God Help Planet Earth...there is no hope.
8-03-2010 @ 1:27PM
Simzee said...The old man got it right.....barefoot, pregnant & in the kitchen. She must LOVE that one eyed snake.
8-03-2010 @ 1:39PM
bmsm1205 said...Sue you might want to look into facts before you make comments that stupid......even frist time mothers can have premmie, weather it is from high blood pressure or preterm labor....you dont have to have other children to end up with a preemie
8-03-2010 @ 2:00PM
robin kane said...That has nothing to do with it. My only two children were both born three months prematurely and the doctors had no idea why they came so early. I did everything by the book, watched what I ate, didn't smoke, drink, or take so much as an aspirin, and mine still came early. Thank God, they are alive and well today. That's right that no baby shoud have to come into the world that way, but the fact is, premature births in the US are on the rise, and experts don't know the causes. I certainly don't advocate having 19 children, but that's not what caused her baby to be born prematurely.
8-03-2010 @ 2:07PM
Lyv said...Your comment is very judgemental. Let's just look at the facts. They are a thriving, well-rounded family; and although it is not my 'cup o tea' to have that many children, I will not speak ill of them for doing so. My mom lost 4 babies before I was born...should that have stopped her?! And that was in the 1970's. It amazes me the ignorance of people sometimes!