Michelle Duggar Pregnant with 18th Child

Would You Want a Big Family?

May 10, 2008

Some people dream of having a large family. Others, like the Jolie–Pitts, would be happy to build a soccer team.

As CitizenSugar pointed out, Michelle Duggar is pregnant with her 18th baby. The 41–year–old mother of 17 believes it is God's will to keep bearing babes with her hubby, Jim Bob.

I wonder what the magic number will end up being for the Duggar brood.

Fertility, age and money notwithstanding, would you wish for a big family?

63 Comments

2 years 31 weeks

First i love the Duggar's desire to live for Christ and to raise up a Godly family. What alarm's me is ..well..if it's true Michelle Duggar gives her 4 to 6 mo. infant to an older siser to care for..i feel very uncomfortable with this. If the duggar's were truely following God in leaving it up to Him..she would nurse her child into his toddlerhood..this is how they did it in biblical times..and a quiverful was 8.In biblical day's infants were nursed to about 3..thus spacing of kid's was about 2 to 3 years.So to stop nursing at 4 or 6 mo. to get pregant is taking it into their own hand's.I am bothered that the little ones call their sister's 'mama' and when a little one became lost at the airport.he ran to his sister for comfort..not his mom.Mom and dad were in background laughing. To deprive the older girl's of any life other than raising kid's, cooking,cleaning and teaching seem's irresponsible and unwise. Yes..help out with the little ones..and have chores. and occasionally make meal's. But hey..young children need mom's loving arm's..a 'mom' homecooked meal and a mom guiding ea.of her children. To buddy off a young baby to big sister is just wrong as the biggest fear babies have is abandment. They need for emotional development their first few years with mom.

CourtneyPMBowie 3 years 51 weeks

I want NONE. Haha. Contrary to the majority of people who voted/posted comments. Never had any desire to have any of my own, adopted or biological. I think kids are cute and sweet etc., just never wanted to have my own or be a parent. Maybe its because of watching what my parents had to put up with with having my older brother and I and how much of a pain we were (admittedly me more than him), but I just don't want any. Plus the world is already overpopulated as it is and there are too many orphaned (or worse) kids who did nothing wrong besides get conceived and be born and why add to that ever-growing number with your own kids? In the end its my choice and I like animals more than kids. Nothing in me has ever felt the need to want kids, have kids or even to adopt kids. The problem is finding a man who DOESN'T want kids or even considers having kids these days. I swear its society/religion/family/friends who brainwashes us with the need to have kids to feel normal and a part of "regular" society (among other thing its says we need to do or think). And just to add my two cents: The Duggars are very selfish to keep having these kids and pushing them onto the older children.... I don't believe it's "God's will" for them to keep getting pregnant. It's THEIR own selfish will. God or no god, unprotected sex between a normal and healthy (with no fertility problems) man and woman during ovulation = PREGNANCY. That's called the reproductive cycle, NOT God's will. Sorry if you disagree but that's my opinion. I hate when religious people blame all THEIR decisions and choices on God's will and the Bible. No one MADE you do these things... You had a choice on each decision you made. That's why God gave us common sense and a brain that had the capacity for making our own choices, dumb and uneducated or not.

4 years 4 weeks

This is getting out of hand if they want that many kids then quit giving them tv covergae so they can *make* money no one should be donating to them if they dont know what virth control is thne quite thinking ur allowed to be on tv bcz ur stupid

4 years 5 weeks

PS - To previous story with 17 children: My mother gave birth to 18 children, but unfortunatly one baby girl was stillborn, carried full term. There was a full page newspaper article written in all the papers in Philadelphia, PA. and many other articles around the world on October 10 1958. Titled: "Mother gives birth to 18th child."

4 years 5 weeks

My parents were married in 1933 at the young age of sixteen. During their blessed marriage, they had 17 children. The reason that they had so many children? They believed it to be a sin to prevent life from coming into the world. According to their faith; children were an act of God. My father served in World War II and was called again to active duty in the Korean War; while he (then) had 8 children. He followed through the call as a “duty with honor.” He fought for our country. He believed in liberty and justice for all! While he fought, he was wounded from a mine that exploded and left his entire back covered in shrapnel. The benefits and awards that were given to him were not monetary or gold; but in his eyes they were the “truest wisdom which comes from God." Even though he was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds psychically and mentally, he needed to work to provide an income for his family regardless to what shape he came home in. His pension was not nearly enough to buy a week worth of groceries, never mind enough to raise his family. But he was grateful for the small sum he received (that stayed the same over the years), regardless of any changes in the economy or the growing family! He was a gifted artist who painted murals on churches, restaurants, and social halls in the city of Philadelphia. He painted some of the scenery displays at the Academy of Natural Science in Center City. He was offered to paint for the Walt Disney Studios, but declined the position as this would take him away from the responsibilities he viewed as most important, helping raise 17 children. The most important person in his life was mom, and he valued every day that he spent with her and his children. And most of all he respected her role in motherhood as the highest a woman can achieve! We grew up seeing how very much in love they were! My mother was a very joyful person and loved children. She never had any interest outside the house. Her only interest was in her family. She found it very hard to accept any help, donations, or charity from those who were not in our immediate family. But there were a few times she had to, when dad’s paintings were not called on. She actually turned down the opportunity to be on a famous television show, “Queen for a Day”. [A daytime television show that "awarded" mothers for their excellent roles “in giving to others.”] She thought it would take her away from her most important responsibilities of raising her children. (Even though everyone said she'd win, and probably win big!) As I have said, she never expected anyone other than herself to take care of us. Her only dependence was on God. And by the Grace of God, she did it miraculously! Although most people can relate to one another in the ways they are brought up, I have never been able to relate to anyone! I am the middle child of 17 children. We didn't have a lot of money growing up, but I had the greatest childhood that you could ever imagine. With more than enough to go around! All I know for sure was that my parents were able not only to feed us and clothe us, but feed others in my neighborhood. Even with supporting such a large family, having only the small pension and income from my dad, there was never a word spoken in our home about not having enough of anything! We were forbidden to speak those words! It was more important for my parents to feed and help others, rather than spoil us children with material things that held no value Although education was not a major priority to my parents, morals, values, and virtues were! The lack of understanding in education from my parents is clearer to me today, as they barley completed the 8th grade. To me, my mother was the smartest person in the world! She was excellent in spelling and her grammar was as refined with every word she spoke to us. My dad was wise and witty as can be, and he knew just about everything that we would ask him! They both had the most beautiful personalities. They were known in our community by how well they carried themselves. They both had a unique class of their own! They were healthy. They didn't drink alcohol and took care of their bodies. They viewed this life as a gift from God. The only medication I remember my mom ever taking was medication for her diabetes! Maybe we lacked further education as compared to some families, but we didn't miss out on any virtues; in courage, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, manners, helpfulness, justice, charity, love, hope, and most important of all, faith in God! And in all honesty, without these virtues, there is no life, regardless of what schools we attend. My story that I am writing clearly explains the mysterious gifts from God that are available to everyone, that a lot of us tend to miss, or take for granted. And for me, these are the most valuable things we can call on, that can save our lives regardless to what we are facing. And how do we measure the differences in the knowledge that is gained in serving our Country through two major wars, or raising 17 children joyfully? To what we have learned in High School or a College education? When it provided and served everyone very well, with love? I don't think we can.

RosieAllen 4 years 15 weeks

Ok the comment about Aldi's was off, we do most of our shopping there and the food is not damaged or dented. Alid's is cheap and we love it. The food is off brand, but just as good. My parents chose to have 4 and I am the youngest and yes I was homeschooled, yes we wore skirts at times, yes my older siblings helped out with teaching. BUT both my brothers are successful young men who work full time and went through a program called Royal Rangers which is the Assemblies of God equivalent to Boy Scouts and they earned all the awards. Additionally they have done a lot of traveling in the United States. My sister has a bachelor degree in business and is a manger of a C-store in a hospital, I am studying to be a social worker. My parents have worked hard and have taught us from childhood to work hard (we built a house from scratch, and flipped every other house we have lived in) we volunteer in the community and go to church every Sunday. Having a lot of kids is great if you can give them plenty of love, my dad worked out of town most of the week so that we NEVER had to be on welfare. Personally I want at least 6 children, and addition to that I would like to adopt and/or foster children. Having all these experiences in life has taught me to not "sweat the small stuff" and that chaos can be good because you need to look on the bright side, and learn to relax and laugh a lot. P.S I have a nauseating headache so I apologize for any errors

Frank y Ava 4 years 48 weeks

i think its gross because they can't afford it. People leave them clothes at their car and have to pay their bills with donations! don't like them at all.

anniebananie 5 years 1 week

ok I went to college in Northwest Arknsas, where the Duggers live, and let me tell you a few things I have seen. -All the girls clothing are homemade and the boys are only allowed to wear certain color shirts shirts. -They have built their house directly across the street from the local dumpster. The smell is horrific from far away I can't imagine what it smells like up close. -Their old house was a 3 bed two baths, I think at that time they had around 14 kids. -They shop at this place called Aldi's, it's a dentend and damaged grocery store (I hear it's dangerous to eat things from dented cans) -Their kids have no social life outside of home, I believe the only people they spend time with is another family that lives near by. -All the kids are homeschooled and I think at this point the older ones are teching the younger ones because there is no way Michelle has time to teach kindergarden-12th grade. -They have said they are not on welfare but they do receive a ton of donations. -Jim Bob Dugger (yes that is his real name) tried to run for state representative, no one wanted to vote for him because he would have to spend a ton of time away from the kids, Why in the world would he even consider that? I don't care if they have 3 million kids but obviously they cannot afford it so they should just stop it, God is not going to be mad at you if you quit at 18.

Roarman 5 years 1 week

I think it is irresponsible to have so many children. The extra strain on our earths' already maxed out resources is selfish and unceccessary. If all of the 18 Duggar children have children we are looking at at least 18 more human beings on our earth. It's just too much and we need to think outside of what is just good for ourselves and what is best for everyone. I think two is the best so as to replace yourself and your mate. Maybe three for good measure. Just my opinion.

anniekim 5 years 1 week

ohjeez--Surprisingly the relationship is sister/sister and sister/brother. I have a couple of friends with older siblings with a similar age difference and they have made the same comment. They feel more that their older brothers/sisters are more like uncles and aunts to them and express surprise that my siblings don't feel that way. I sure did my share of free baby sitting though. I'd say I am definitely closer with my sister though (and she is closer with me)as we had 8 years together before I left for college.

vmruby 5 years 1 week

My limit is 4.... As for Michelle Duggar if she has enough love for all those kids then good for her.

ohjeeze 5 years 1 week

Anniekim, Do you have a close sibling relationship with your lil bro and sis or is it more of an aunt relationship. I'm 10 years older than one of my cousins and I see myself playing aunt (not as strict as mom but not as close as sisters) to her all the time. I sure it is hard because you guys did not grow up together.

anniekim 5 years 1 week

I was an only child for 10 years and never felt the lack of siblings. I didn't wish for a sister or brother(maybe a puppy). For many years I have had a sister (10 years younger) and a brother (17 years younger). Of course I love them very much and think siblings are the best. now. I think kids are a lot more adaptable to whichever sibling situation they find themselves in than we are giving them credit for here.

ohjeeze 5 years 1 week

Romaniagrl how do you know your parents weren't acting unselfishly by allowing you to have their undivided attention? I see nothing wrong with having one child because they will never have to worry about who the favorite is or have compete with other kids for mommy and daddy's attention. At least if a woman remains childless her selfishness is not affecting anyone else.

stephcorinn 5 years 1 week

I totally agree that the parents are the ones who make the decisions and it's their choice how many kids to have. That's why I think it is selfish of them to have so many. They are only thinking about what they want. They are free to decide what they want, but it would be less selfish of them to take into account what is best for their other children. I just don't see how this can actually be a functioning, happy family. But, again, we are each free to make our own decisions. I just think that if they have that much love to give children and they are trying to please God, then adopting some children would be the better option. Have some biological children and then help out those less fortunate children and give them a chance at a better life.

ohjeeze 5 years 1 week

I say to each his own and this applies to the Duggar family too, but YES they are selfish. Everyone here keeps saying well if it makes them happy, well what about the children. Are the parents thinking about them? Doing something because it makes you happy and not thinking of the others involved is SELFISH. Bluepuppybites what makes you think they would let people know if they weren't happy, children don't tell people (especially their parents) a lot of things because they don't what to disappoint them or get them upset. Those kids did not look excited to me it looked like a forced tv excited. Is their oldest son who is an adult still living at home, and if so why, that just seems strange to me? Honeymama you might not believe that the world is overpopulated but no one can deny that we are pushing our resources to the limit and this is caused by the growth of the world population. Now if you don't believe that I suggest you do some research.

rgrl 5 years 1 week

I agree with Finn, I am an only child and I thought it was selfish of my parents not to give me at least one sibling. So you know, Stephcorinn, anytime two people start a family it's usually their choice, not the kids, how they run it.

jennifer76 5 years 1 week

I don't think I could handle more than two kids. But, that's me. We have family friends who have 8 kids and they are some of the sweetest kids you have ever met. I'm surprised that people would criticize families where the children are really involved in the family and pitching in to make it all work. I think that's pretty much been considered a good thing for all of time... I also think it's a little silly to criticize this family for their carbon footprint when I would bet that there are a lot of families with only two or three kids with significantly larger carbon footprints. Families where Mom, Dad and all the kids drive their own SUVs. Families that are highly materialistic, buying new things all the time, eating out, etc...

sweetrae80 5 years 1 week

i think that this family should stop having kids after the next baby, seriously.

backfat 5 years 1 week

We're done at three, but if I hadn't had two unplanned pregnancies I think I would have only ever had one.

bluepuppybites 5 years 1 week

I cannot believe all the negative things people are saying about this family. Big or small they are a wonderful religious family doing their best with what they got. I'm sure if those kids were so unhappy they would let somebody know since they are on the tv all the time. The only time I get upset with people having kids is when the mom is so doped up on anything and everything and doesn't give a *#@$ about the baby. What does she do when she's done having the kid, hey I need to score but I don't have any money here's my body oops now I'm knocked up again for the fifth time. This happens all the time. Those are the disgusting people out there that need the negative talk. Shame on you.

clareberrys 5 years 1 week

Ekaterinaballerina...I'm glad you mentioned Jon and Kate plus 8...now THAT is a family that is large, realistic, and doesn't seem like they are just a little bit crazy.

michelleannette 5 years 1 week

one thing about the duggars...i think it's nice to see children/young adults who are well behaved and help out within the family. i know it's strange to see a large group of kids who behave like this family---but, you do have to admit...they seem happy with their lives. personally, i'd like to have as many children as i can care for. if i can only afford to raise and educate 2, then it will be 2...but, if i can afford 6, it will be 6.

insi 5 years 1 week

i want 3

GlowingMoon 5 years 1 week

Nope. My husband and I are content with our family of two -- just him and me. We're child-free by choice. We've been teased,"Don't you know how to make babies??" Sure, we're very familiar with the process. We just bypass a certain result, that's all. :)

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