Jessa Duggar and her husband, Ben Seewald, are set to welcome their seventh child, as the couple shared the news during a recent episode of the Unplanned Podcast hosted by Matt and Abby Howard. With a busy household already containing six children, the couple revealed that Jessa is currently six weeks pregnant.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jessa-Duggar-and-Ben-Seewald-102726-d41bf0fbfe06448190a364a5ca232d33.jpg)
During the podcast, Jessa, 33, explained how the newest addition to their family was a planned decision. The couple already have a lively brood, with their children including 10-year-old Spurgeon, 9-year-old Henry, 7-year-old Ivy, 5-year-old Fern, 2-year-old George, and 15-month-old Eddie. Their youngest son, Eddie, was born in July 2022, following a surprise pregnancy, prompting the couple to plan for a seventh child this time around.
When it came to the conversation about expanding their family, Jessa revealed that she was the one who initially suggested they have another baby. “It’s always me,” she noted, highlighting her eagerness for another addition to their family. Jessa playfully confessed to experiencing “baby fever” soon after welcoming a newborn, stating, “I’m like, ‘How can I have a newborn and have baby fever?’”
Ben, 31, was supportive of Jessa’s wishes, recognising the significance of her desire to become a mother yet again. He remarked, “If she wants to have another one, if she wants to be a mum again, who am I to stand in the way of that?” The couple’s strong partnership and shared enthusiasm about parenting seem to play a significant role in their decision-making process.
The announcement of Jessa’s pregnancy was made in a rather modern way. She disclosed that she told Ben the big news via text message, sending him a photo of the pregnancy test. He discovered the news while out golfing with her brother Jed, recounting his surprise when he saw her message while sitting on the golf cart. “I was just like, ‘Wait, what?’” he remembered, adding that he promptly informed Jessa’s father and brothers upon receiving the news.
Their growing family has not been without its share of scrutiny. Jessa has previously addressed negative comments regarding their decision to have multiple children, particularly in a YouTube video in May 2022. She remarked on the absence of derogatory remarks delivered in person, stating that most negativity existed online. Although she acknowledged the rude comments, she maintained a positive outlook, focusing on her family’s happiness.
Amidst the criticism, Jessa reflected on her relationship with her mother, Michelle, who is famously known for having 19 children. Jessa clarified that while she admires her mother and looks up to her as a role model, she does not aspire to have as many children. “I’m not going to have 19 kids, but honestly, my mum is my hero. I love her. I adore her,” she stated, emphasising the qualities she admires in Michelle, such as her patience and kindness.
The couple’s openness about their family life reflects their desire to foster a nurturing environment for their children. Each child brings their unique personality and joy, creating a vibrant family dynamic that the Seewalds cherish.
As Jessa and Ben embark on this new chapter in their lives, their commitment to each other and their family remains evident. With every new announcement, they continue to share their journey with fans and followers, embracing the challenges and joys that come with raising a large family. As they prepare for the arrival of their seventh child, the couple’s excitement suggests that their family adventures are far from over.