Erin Bates has returned home following a serious medical crisis that occurred after the birth of her seventh child. While grateful to be back with her family, the Bringing Up Bates alum still faces significant challenges, including the loss of function in her right leg.

In a heartfelt update posted to the joint Instagram account she shares with husband Chad Paine, Erin expressed her thankfulness for being reunited with their children after spending nearly three weeks in the hospital. “We still don’t have all the answers, and I still don’t have function in my right leg,” she shared, “but we are choosing to focus on our blessings—especially the gift of being together again.”

The message was accompanied by photos of Erin returning home in a wheelchair, holding their newborn son Henry, as well as tender images from the hospital and their car ride home.

The health scare began after Erin endured what her husband described as a “long and emotionally taxing labor.” Shortly afterward, she developed a severe kidney infection and UTI that led to septic shock. On September 3, she suffered what Chad referred to as a “prolonged and severe seizure,” which resulted in her being readmitted to the ICU.

Throughout the ordeal, the couple felt uplifted by the support and prayers from their community. “Your prayers have carried us,” Erin wrote, “and they mean the world to our family.”

Now home, Erin is receiving help from her mother, Kelly Jo Bates, who has been providing home-cooked meals and support. “So thankful to have my Mom here to help us navigate this journey!” Erin posted on Instagram earlier this week.

Erin and Chad are also parents to Carson (10), Brooklyn (8), Everly (7), Holland (5), Finley (3), and William (22 months). Despite the uncertainty, the family remains hopeful and grateful to be facing the future together.