Erin Bates Says Christmas Feels Different After Near-Fatal Childbirth

Erin Bates is not afraid to admit that the year 2025 changed her — and the holiday season — after she nearly died during childbirth.

“After a year that stretches us deeply, this Christmas feels different — overflowing with gratitude for Jesus coming to earth to be humbly born in a manger,” Bates, 34, wrote via Instagram on Friday, December 26, alongside a video of her family gathered around her as she played piano with her infant strapped to her chest.

“He is the greatest gift of all!” she continued in the caption. “Merry Christmas from the Paine Family.”

The reality star nearly died in September when she suffered a severe complication while giving birth to her and husband Chad Paine’s seventh child, a son named Henry.

“We wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and support you have given on our behalf. It’s been a week since our miracle, Henry, came into the world. He is doing well in the NICU and is our bundle of happiness,” Paine, 38, wrote via Instagram at the time. “We had asked for prayer for recovery for Erin due to complications.”

He continued, “Her labor was longer and more intense than previous births. She has been fighting through it and has been such a light and sweet testimony of grace to nurses, staff and doctors alike. We are all moved by her kindness and gratefulness in the midst of pain. Erin developed a severe UTI and kidney infection, which sent her into septic shock. She is currently still in the ICU as doctors continue to treat, diagnose and search for answers. We would covet your prayers for this beautiful girl who is such a light in a dark world. We are holding onto God’s promises.”

Bates’ parents later revealed that she diagnosis changed “several times” in the hospital before she was able to safely return home.

“Without an exact diagnosis and with her condition changing often, it’s been harder to share [updates],” Kelly Jo and Gil Bates explained via Instagram Story. “We’ve had teary nights, late nights, happy nights and a whole array of emotions.”
While back home, Erin continued to document her healing journey, which took weeks.

“I don’t even have the words. For weeks, my leg had not worked (since my seizure in the hospital). I’ve been carried, wheeled, and held up through tears and prayers… and today — it moved,” Erin wrote via Instagram on October 2. “Today I took steps. They might be a little wobbly, but they are steps I wasn’t sure I’d ever take again. I’ve cried until I laughed, and laughed until I cried. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Jesus, You are faithful. You are the healer. All glory belongs to You.”

She continued, “To those who have prayed and encouraged us, thank you. You have been part of this miracle. To the doctors, nurses, and therapists who have poured so much into my recovery — we are forever grateful. Today we are standing (literally!) in awe, giving thanks for every single step forward.”