Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

After suffering the miscarriage of their 20th child, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will hold a memorial service on Wednesday, Dec. 14, for the baby girl they have named Jubilee Shalom Duggar.

The reality TV stars of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting had discovered on Thursday at a routine ultrasound appointment that their 20th child, due next April, no longer had a heartbeat. Advised by her doctor to let the miscarriage occur naturally, Michelle, 45, was being cared for at home by her family.

Following the miscarriage late Sunday night, Michelle began to feel lightheaded and as a precaution was taken to the hospital, where she was kept for observation, according to a family spokesperson. Michelle is recovering well and expected to return home later on Monday, the spokesperson adds.

"We have had many tears today," says Jim Bob Duggar, 46. "This is life, and I understand that we are going though something that many others have. You think about the what-ifs, but God gives us strength to go on. We won't be able to see this child's life and the phases that we've seen for our other children, but we know we will see this child in heaven one day. We are thankful for each child, and we are blessed to have the children we have here and the ones we will meet someday in heaven."

Jubilee Duggar's memorial service will be for friends and Duggar family members, who on late Sunday already held a private service in their home.

"We would like to thank everyone for their prayers, emails and outpouring of love," Jim Bob wrote in a letter he shared with PEOPLE. "As our whole family is grieving, we also know that God promises to work all things for good in our lives. Our prayer is that Jubilee's passing will help us all realize that this life is short, and our relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. He gives us a peace in our hearts as He guides us through whatever we might face."

Though the family is in mourning, Jim Bob says they are grateful for the health of youngest daughter, Josie, who turned 2 on Dec. 10. Josie survived against all odds after being born at just 25 weeks and 1 lb., 6 oz. and has developed normally with no lasting impairments.

"We were looking forward to this birthday because it is a milestone for her," he says. "It is wonderful that she is with us and doing so well."

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

This is just awful

I just keep thinking about her miscarrying at home this late in the pregnancy. I mean- she had to pass the fetus and all no?
At home.
It just seems so horrendous.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Posted by NervousNell

This is just awful

I just keep thinking about her miscarrying at home this late in the pregnancy. I mean- she had to pass the fetus and all no?
At home.
It just seems so horrendous.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Hmm I don't see it as that. I'm guessing they had the option of doing that and from what I've seen of this family it seems like this is what they would have wanted to do. It might have helped with their mourning.

Message edited 12/12/2011 5:21:03 PM.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Posted by NervousNell

This is just awful

I just keep thinking about her miscarrying at home this late in the pregnancy. I mean- she had to pass the fetus and all no?
At home.
It just seems so horrendous.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Alli06

Posted by Disneygirl

Hmm I don't see it as that. I'm guessing they had the option of doing that and from what I've seen of this family it seems like this is what they would have wanted to do. It might have helped with their mourning.

From what I read, pretty sure she stated the doctors told her that they wanted to miscarry naturally because of some kind of complication from her last pregnancy. FOrget what it was exactly, I would have to look back at her blogs.

I get the whole miscarrying naturally thing- it's because they didn't want to force contractions due to issues with her uterus from the C Section last time.
But doing it at home...I guess maybe I'm squemish but I don't know if I could pass a fetus- of that age and size- at home.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Alli06

Posted by Disneygirl

Hmm I don't see it as that. I'm guessing they had the option of doing that and from what I've seen of this family it seems like this is what they would have wanted to do. It might have helped with their mourning.

From what I read, pretty sure she stated the doctors told her that they wanted to miscarry naturally because of some kind of complication from her last pregnancy. FOrget what it was exactly, I would have to look back at her blogs.

I get the whole miscarrying naturally thing- it's because they didn't want to force contractions due to issues with her uterus from the C Section last time.
But doing it at home...I guess maybe I'm squemish but I don't know if I could pass a fetus- of that age and size- at home.

Oh trust me, I totally agree. I wouldn't want to be home either.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Posted by AngnShaun

Posted by NervousNell

This is just awful

I just keep thinking about her miscarrying at home this late in the pregnancy. I mean- she had to pass the fetus and all no?
At home.
It just seems so horrendous.

thats exactly what i was thinking... i found it hard to believe that her doctor recommended that... but anyway, im glad shes ok.

Message edited 12/12/2011 7:43:54 PM.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

Posted by Alexandra17

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Alli06

Posted by Disneygirl

Hmm I don't see it as that. I'm guessing they had the option of doing that and from what I've seen of this family it seems like this is what they would have wanted to do. It might have helped with their mourning.

From what I read, pretty sure she stated the doctors told her that they wanted to miscarry naturally because of some kind of complication from her last pregnancy. FOrget what it was exactly, I would have to look back at her blogs.

I get the whole miscarrying naturally thing- it's because they didn't want to force contractions due to issues with her uterus from the C Section last time.
But doing it at home...I guess maybe I'm squemish but I don't know if I could pass a fetus- of that age and size- at home.

That is my thinking as well. I just can't imagine going through that. I would prefer to be in a hospital at all times just in case.

Re: Duggars Set Memorial Service for Baby Jubilee Shalom

There is no way this could be similar to a home birth! The risks around this are so great, I can't understand why she isn't in hospital being monitored! I had this happen to me and not only did I have to go through labor and giving birth, I had to be rushed down to an operating room to have an emergency d&c cos the placenta wasn't coming loose. I like the Duggars...but this sounds more nutty than having 20 kids...