Erin Bates is finding the positive as she adjusts to her new normal after a sepsis battle.
“After almost three weeks in the hospital, I have never been so thankful to finally head home to our babies,” Erin, 34, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 13. “We don’t have all the answers yet, and I still don’t have function in my right leg, but we are choosing to count every blessing — especially the gift of being together again. Your prayers have carried us through and mean the world to our family ❤️.”
In her social media update, the Bringing Up Bates star shared a photo of herself sitting in a wheelchair as she held her newborn son, Henry.
A separate selfie showed Erin sitting next to Henry during a car ride before arriving home with her husband, Chad Paine.
In another social media upload, Erin showcased one of her mom Kelly Jo Bates’ home-cooked meals. “So thankful to have my Mom here to help us navigate this journey! ❤️ @thebatesfam,” Erin wrote via Instagram on Monday, September 15. “#healingjourney #newBaby #family #togetheragain #thankful.”
Erin experienced a serious health scare after she welcomed her seventh child with Paine on August 25.

Erin Bates Courtesy of Erin Bates/Instagram
According to Paine, Erin developed a severe UTI and kidney infection, which sent her into septic shock.
Septic shock is the last and most severe stage of sepsis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It occurs when one’s immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection. Treatment may include antibiotics, oxygen and medication.
Erin’s parents later revealed that their daughter’s diagnosis changed “several times” before she was safe to leave the hospital.
“Without an exact diagnosis and with her condition changing often, it’s been harder to share [updates],” Kelly Jo and Gil Bates wrote via their Instagram Story on September 10. “We’ve had teary nights, late nights, happy nights and a whole array of emotions.”
Throughout the process, Erin and her entire family have expressed gratitude for friends and strangers who have offered support in their unpredictable time.
“We have been completely overwhelmed by the love and support of family and friends during this difficult season,” Chad wrote via Instagram on Friday, September 12. “From watching the kids and taking them on adventures, to helping with baby Henry and lifting Erin up with encouragement — you have carried us in ways we can’t even put into words. We don’t know how to say thank you enough, but we are truly, deeply grateful ❤️.”