Erin Bates' Health Struggles Over the Years Revealed

A Journey of Resilience and Love

Erin Bates, a mother of seven children, has endured an extraordinary journey in her quest to build a large family with her husband, Chad Paine. From the very beginning, their path was filled with challenges that tested their strength, faith, and commitment to each other.

Early Struggles and Heartbreak

Erin and Chad married in 2013, but their dream of starting a family was met with heartbreak from the start. Erin faced multiple miscarriages due to a blood-clotting issue, which led to years of emotional and physical pain. In an April 2025 vlog, she reflected on this painful period, recalling how many nights ended in tears as they prayed for a child. “We would cry out to God, asking for a baby. We wondered if we would ever hold a little one in our arms,” she shared.

Despite the heartbreak, they eventually welcomed their first son, Carson, in May 2015. The joy of holding him in their arms was overwhelming, and it marked the beginning of their growing family.

Challenges Throughout Pregnancy

As they continued to expand their family, Erin faced new obstacles with every pregnancy. In January 2015, she spoke to People about the difficulty of dealing with multiple miscarriages. “It's one of the hardest things I've been through in my life,” she said. “You build up all these expectations, and you prepare, and you have the date in your mind, and it's just heartbreaking when that ends.”

Erin credited Chad for his unwavering support during these tough times, noting that their experiences helped them grow stronger and more compassionate toward others facing similar struggles.

Health Issues and Surgeries

In February 2021, Erin underwent three surgeries to address complications caused by ruptured cysts and internal bleeding. She had one ovary removed and most of the second one. “It has been scary and really discouraging at times,” she admitted, but she also expressed gratitude for the medical team and her husband’s constant care.

Chad, who described himself as “a hero” during this time, took on household responsibilities and provided emotional support. “His daily love notes have made me cry and smile at the same time,” Erin shared. “Nothing is sweeter than hearing the kids belly laugh as he chases them through the house.”

Erin also revealed that she had contracted COVID twice, which led to ongoing health issues. “I've had female issues and it caused a lot of internal bleeding,” she told Us Weekly. The surgeries left her with only a third of an ovary, making future pregnancies extremely unlikely. Despite this, she and Chad remained open to the possibility of more children, though they acknowledged it would require a miracle.

The Birth of Their Seventh Child

In August 2025, Erin and Chad announced the arrival of their seventh child, Finley. They were overjoyed despite the risks involved. “Every day life is a miracle, but this is such a special miracle for our little family,” they said in a joint statement. However, their excitement was soon overshadowed by complications.

Complications After the Birth of Henry

In September 2025, Chad shared updates on Instagram about Erin’s health following the birth of their seventh child, Henry. He revealed that Erin had developed a severe UTI and kidney infection, leading to septic shock and a lengthy seizure. “She is in the ICU, and the doctors are running scans and tests to determine the cause,” he wrote. “Erin is extremely weak and spent hours only half conscious.”

Chad described the experience as one of the hardest things he had ever faced. “As her husband, it is one of the hardest things I've ever faced - to sit by her side and watch her struggle while being so helpless to ease her suffering,” he shared. He expressed deep love for Erin and emphasized their faith in healing, even in the face of uncertainty.

Support and Healing

Throughout their journey, Erin and Chad have relied on their faith, each other, and the support of their community. They continue to face challenges with courage, reminding others that hope and resilience can carry them through even the darkest moments.

If you or someone you know is struggling with similar issues, organizations like the March of Dimes and Postpartum Support International offer valuable resources and support.