‘Bringing Up Bates’ Family Requests Prayer as Erin Bates Battles Septic Shock
The family of Erin Bates Paine is requesting prayer for the Bringing Up Bates star after she suffered septic shock following a difficult delivery that placed her in intensive care.
Paine gave birth Aug. 25 to a boy, Henry Blythe, who was the seventh child and was delivered after a “long and emotional labor,” the couple said in their Instagram account at the time. The couple even posted a photo of a smiling Erin holding their newborn while acknowledging that she was continuing to “recover from some complications.”
On Sep. 1, Erin’s husband, Chad Paine, posted an update, saying she was in the ICU.
“Her labor was longer and more intense than previous births,” he wrote. “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 [urinary tract infection] and kidney infection, which sent her into septic shock,” he added. “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.”
Their new son, Henry, is healthy, the father said.
“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.”
The official Bates Family Instagram account wrote of Erin, “She really is a light here! Every nurse adores her, and though she’s in pain, she’s still a ray of sunshine.”
The family has not released any updates since Sept. 1.
Bringing Up Bates was a reality TV series on UPtv that followed Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 children, showcasing their Christian faith, family life and everyday adventures. The show aired for 10 seasons, from 2015 until 2021, and built a large fan base among viewers of faith-based family programming.
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a severe infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure and widespread organ failure.
Photo Credit: ©Chad Paine
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published September 04, 2025.
