Josie Duggar

[C.Ann]

I would think people might actually watch the show before they jump to conclusions about why it was filmed; how it came about that TLC was aware of the birth; what the footage actually consists of; etc..

Lots of "putting the cart before the horse" at this point, I'd say..

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Everyone knew that she was having problems. I don't think that it is a stretch to think that tlc was keeping pretty close tabs.

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

Per Cousin Amy's Facebook, Josie seems to be doing well. She posted "Josieis is 2lbs 2 ounces!!!!!!!!!!!!" I don't recall the baby's birth weight, but based on comments on her status, people are theorizing she meant 2lbs 12 ounces. This was posted January 15, btw.

Oh, wait. Found this too from January 13. "Baby Josie is 2 lbs 4 ounces!! Praise the Lord!"

 

[luvmy3]

I would think people might actually watch the show before they jump to conclusions about why it was filmed; how it came about that TLC was aware of the birth; what the footage actually consists of; etc..

Lots of "putting the cart before the horse" at this point, I'd say..

Maybe but since if the Duggar's have their own reality show on TLC, its pretty clear why the birth was filmed and will be aired.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I could be wrong, but from the footage I saw, it looked like a home movie. It was all grainy looking and Jimbob was getting emotional over Michelle and the baby. Are we certain that TLC filmed the birth?

 

[Jenvenza]

Maybe but since if the Duggar's have their own reality show on TLC, its pretty clear why the birth was filmed and will be aired.

I agree with you 100%. Everyone thinks they are this perfect family, and Jon & Kate were the ones exploiting their kids. The Duggars are doing the SAME THING.

 

[clgwli]

Generally, no. But those are one time shows, not a long-term series based on 'reality' of a specific family. I am not a fan of kids on reality shows. I like that the Duggars are (or were) not dependent on the show for income and they have previously seemed to be unchanged by being on TV. I think what bothers me is that while going into premature labor they made sure that TLC was there so they could capture it on film. It really strikes me as not right, priority wise. I mean, if in fact they filmed Michelle giving birth to a 25 week preemie. I think it's a little bit sick. There was no way of knowing the outcome at that time, and we can all hope she is doing well now, but what about next time?

Personally I know people who have given birth to micro preemies and not had them live. Many of them had photography or even video at the birth (assuming the child would live through the birth) and they are so thrilled to have the memories of their sweet angels they lost. So even a sad moment would be a wonderful way of having memories of a lost child. I doubt they would have aired it if Josie hadn't made it. Even now think about it, Josie has survived a month now so it seems like a good amount of time to wait to air this. Michelle was in the hospital for several days prior to giving birth so at least I can't say it sounds like TLC rushed there the moment she had contractions.

Sorry I just don't get why this is sick compared to other birthing stories I have seen. Not all have happy endings and I have seen some that showed a mother giving birth after a twin knowingly died. It is a learning experience from all of the tragedies truthfully and I appreciate the families who have the strength to share their stories in a time of sadness.

Many people with preemies and micro preemies might find comfort in this show.

 

[Kimberle]

Being that it airs on TLC, such a show would be fitting with the "learning" aspect of the network. Where did you find the info, OP?[/QUOTE]

A comerical aired during their show last night (Tues). They replayed their vow renewal show. They showed glimpses of Michelle in the hospital, JimBob in scrubs, etc.

 

[Kimberle]

You people who are critizing, have you been there, done that??? Don't critize when you've not walked in their shoes.

My dd was born @ 29 weeks. She was 1#15.5oz. People were afraid to celebrate her birth. I was extremely hurt. I wanted as much normallcy as possible. (My dd is now nearly 11 and perfect.)

Michelle didn't go into labor. She was very ill w/ preeclampsia. She was at her local hospital, then transfered to an University. They have always said they did the show to inspire others. They certainally aren't living "high on the hog". They buy used clothes & shoes, STILL!

As Carol Ann suggested, watch the show first. If "offends" you, then don't watch.

 

[Aisling]

So....if this were Kate.....and this was filmed---people would be all over how horrible she is for exposing such private situations to the public eye.

This is ok because it is Michelle Duggar, but Kate letting her 8 kids ride their bikes in the driveway in front of their house is to be filmed is selfish, bad parenting because it doesn't allow the kids to live private lives?

I don't know these people personally, but from watching both shows, Kate (and Jon) had a strong entitlement attitude, which was a turn-off, and the show basically became "what's Kate going to complain about today." That, to me, is sensationalism TV.

The Duggars seem like they love sharing their way of life with others, often citing their religious beliefs and their loving parenting/spousing styles. It may be like a ministry for them, and that God has blessed them by having TCL interested in them. They seem very thankful.

One thing, I've never seen a Duggar child sitting on the potty or having a tantrum filmed that would embarrass the child later on in life, as the Gosselins have allowed with their children. It seems the Duggars have limits, and I respect them for that. Even the birth scenes, it was done with a tremendous amount of modesty.

Even the photographers who take pics of these families do it in different ways: with the Gosselins, she pointed out the "papparazzi" hiding in the bushes at her kid's party. The Duggars get more respect from the photographers who photograph them. They haven't become "celebrities"; they don't want it. They seem very happy with their life and with each other, as opposed to Jon and Kate who were miserable from the start (I don't get enough help, these volunteer nannies suck, I need a tummy tuck and a ****ie job, I need teeth whitening and hair plugs, I need a a fashion consultant, wah wah wah). The Duggars are grateful for what they have, thanks to their family values and to TLC. But I'd bet my dog they won't shed a tear if the TV show ends tomorrow.

That's coming from a woman who doesn't agree with Michelle's baby obsession, but they seem to be more "decent" people than the Gosselins.

 

[wilderness01]

You people who are critizing, have you been there, done that??? Don't critize when you've not walked in their shoes.

My dd was born @ 29 weeks. She was 1#15.5oz. People were afraid to celebrate her birth. I was extremely hurt. I wanted as much normallcy as possible. (My dd is now nearly 11 and perfect.)

Michelle didn't go into labor. She was very ill w/ preeclampsia. She was at her local hospital, then transfered to an University. They have always said they did the show to inspire others. They certainally aren't living "high on the hog". They buy used clothes & shoes, STILL!

As Carol Ann suggested, watch the show first. If "offends" you, then don't watch.

I hope the hospital she was in has a yearly reunion party. We love hearing and seeing how one of our graduates are doing, even that many years later. Glad it all worked out for your family.

 

[NotUrsula]

I may be very wrong about this, but it is my impression that the cash payments that the Duggars receive for doing the show primarily go into funding missionary work. The kids may be OK with a bit of exploitation on behalf of a cause that they believe in.

The in-kind payments (construction help, trips, etc.) do accrue to the family's collective immediate financial benefit, of course.

Much of the Duggars' motivation for doing this show is to promote their religious beliefs one way or another. They are THE poster children for the Quiverfull movement, so I'm sure that is part of why they do it. The Gosselins had no such agenda.

Also, I am sure that TLC has a VERY tight contract with the family that allows TLC to make the primary decisions about what footage will and will not be aired. Once the contract is signed, the network has the upper hand in these things.

 

[KiKi Mouse]

My dd was born @ 29 weeks. She was 1#15.5oz. People were afraid to celebrate her birth. I was extremely hurt. I wanted as much normallcy as possible. (My dd is now nearly 11 and perfect.)

ITA
There was no "labour". When a mother has preclampsia the only "cure" is to deliver the baby and that means a c-section. It's an emergency. Mothers die and babies die.

 

[luvmy3]

You people who are critizing, have you been there, done that??? Don't critize when you've not walked in their shoes..

Any family that puts themselves on TV (for whatever reason) is giving us all the right to criticize. If they can't handle the bad that comes along with the good, then they should keep their lives private and not make the birth of a child they almost lost into a spectacle for the world to see.
Anyone wonder why there are no updates other than the cousins on FB? I guess TLC and the Duggars just want to make sure you tune in to see. Please, don't preach about these people doing this for inspiration, they are doing it so that they don't lose viewers.

 

[ORMom2Four]

I'm glad they are going to air what happened.

Like many people have already said, not every pregnancy has a happy ending. It's time that we, as a society, stop whispering about pregnancy/infant loss. On "A Baby Story", they will not air an episode if the mother loses the baby. Unfortunatley, it does happen. Perhaps it's time we, as a society, stop sweeping it under a rug.

I'm very happy to hear that Josie is still fighting strong and pray for her and the family.

 

[fakereadhed]

As the mom of a former preemie due to pre-eclampsia I don't see a problem with it. You could argue that the entire show is exploitation, but I don't think it's any worse since she had complications. I'm always interested when they show preemies in a realistic way on tv. Most of what you read or see is only the positive stuff. The real thing is not pretty. More and more preemies are saved due to medical advances and I think the more awareness the better.

 

[Schmeck]

Jim Bob creeps some people out because he is a creep - salesman slick, pushing that old tyme religion any way he can. He's got a nice, submissive wife, a ton of slave-children, what more does he need to be any closer to a caveman? Really, his view of what is God's wish for humans is just so base, it's close to animalistic. That's where the creepy comes from.

 

[madge]

So....if this were Kate.....and this was filmed---people would be all over how horrible she is for exposing such private situations to the public eye.

This is ok because it is Michelle Duggar, but Kate letting her 8 kids ride their bikes in the driveway in front of their house is to be filmed is selfish, bad parenting because it doesn't allow the kids to live private lives?

neither is ok, IMO....

 

[LovinPooh]

Jim Bob creeps some people out because he is a creep - salesman slick, pushing that old tyme religion any way he can. He's got a nice, submissive wife, a ton of slave-children, what more does he need to be any closer to a caveman? Really, his view of what is God's wish for humans is just so base, it's close to animalistic. That's where the creepy comes from.

I hope she isnt so quick to get pregnant again. There really wasnt much time in between this baby and the last one. Hopefully she gives herself some time to heal, as well as the new baby.

 

[C.Ann]

I don't know these people personally, but from watching both shows, Kate (and Jon) had a strong entitlement attitude, which was a turn-off, and the show basically became "what's Kate going to complain about today." That, to me, is sensationalism TV.

The Duggars seem like they love sharing their way of life with others, often citing their religious beliefs and their loving parenting/spousing styles. It may be like a ministry for them, and that God has blessed them by having TCL interested in them. They seem very thankful.

One thing, I've never seen a Duggar child sitting on the potty or having a tantrum filmed that would embarrass the child later on in life, as the Gosselins have allowed with their children. It seems the Duggars have limits, and I respect them for that. Even the birth scenes, it was done with a tremendous amount of modesty.

Even the photographers who take pics of these families do it in different ways: with the Gosselins, she pointed out the "papparazzi" hiding in the bushes at her kid's party. The Duggars get more respect from the photographers who photograph them. They haven't become "celebrities"; they don't want it. They seem very happy with their life and with each other, as opposed to Jon and Kate who were miserable from the start (I don't get enough help, these volunteer nannies suck, I need a tummy tuck and a ****ie job, I need teeth whitening and hair plugs, I need a a fashion consultant, wah wah wah). The Duggars are grateful for what they have, thanks to their family values and to TLC. But I'd bet my dog they won't shed a tear if the TV show ends tomorrow.

That's coming from a woman who doesn't agree with Michelle's baby obsession, but they seem to be more "decent" people than the Gosselins.

Great post!