Why Jason Duggar & Wife Maddie Duggar Are Not Having Kids Just Yet

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Jason Duggar and Maddie Duggar are counting on fans to stop asking about pregnancy news. 

Approximately one year since the former “19 Kids and Counting” star and his spouse exchanged vows, they have revealed the reasons for not intending to grow their family immediately, offering a peek into their thought process following Jason’s humorous baby announcement on the podcast of sister Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo.

During the August 13 episode of Jinger and Jeremy, Maddie playfully remarked, “He does that to me frequently.” She added humorously, “We’re absolutely not anticipating anything. We’re definitely not attempting to be in such a state.

Jason added, “Stop saying we’re expecting, that’s for whoever is listening.”

Additionally, the pair finds it necessary to postpone their plans, as Maddie shares, “I’m currently wrapping up my education.

Clearly, the 21-year-old made it clear that although they occasionally experience a desire for children, also known as “baby fever”, she and Jason will not attempt to conceive until she completes her education degree in May of next year.

She went on saying, ‘I’d like to savor this moment, if possible. I believe there will be opportunities for us to have children later down the line, God willing. But for now, we prefer to take things easy and continue getting to know each other better, as we are still in the first year of our marriage.

As she put it, “No babies at all. We just babysit and get humbled.”

Previously, and again recently, the newlywed pair – who got married in October – have dismissed rumors about them expecting a baby. Interestingly, Jason, aged 25, has shared that his elder siblings had an influence on their choice to postpone starting a family.

During an April YouTube video, Jason expressed with his wife by his side, that some relatives in their family have often mentioned they wished they had waited a while before settling down. They longed for the opportunity to travel and explore new experiences. As a result, this sentiment resonated with him, and he and his spouse shared a mutual desire for more freedom in their lives.

Apart from deviating significantly from long-held Duggar customs such as forgoing dancing at their wedding, opting for dating instead of courtship under supervision, and even choosing to kiss before their wedding day, Jason and Maddie made clear they would not adhere to the tradition of having numerous children. They firmly stated that their family would be limited to six children at most, with Maddie admitting even that was a stretch for them.

Jason shared that growing up with 18 siblings was something he greatly appreciated, finding joy in being part of a large family. He expressed that while this was a blessing for his parents, it wasn’t necessarily his personal preference. Instead, he stated that he and his siblings cherished each stage of life as the Lord guided them, acknowledging that his parents seemed to be particularly meant to have all 19 children.

For more on the Duggars and their growing families, keep reading… 

19 children and more than three dozen grandchildren’s parents originally fell in love as teenage sweethearts in high school.

Michelle shared an experience where she felt “rescued” at the age of 15. On a particular evening, Jim Bob, as a representative of his Baptist church, was conducting home visits. A friend had informed him about a girl from school who recently got religious conversion and was a cheerleader, residing in the Ruark family’s house.

They extended an invitation for Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church, and Jim Bob mentioned that he had prayed to God to serve as each other’s spiritual guides – although it seemed that their initial encounter wasn’t particularly memorable for Michelle. Exactly a year later, she applied for a position at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a letter written in 2017, which was posted on their family blog to celebrate Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd wedding anniversary, Michelle recounted the encounter: “You stood behind the counter near the cash register when we first met, and you shyly introduced yourself. You were sweet, although I don’t recall much about that conversation except for the moment when you gathered the courage to ask me if I would accompany you to your junior-senior banquet!

In a different phraseology, it can be expressed as: After attending dinner together at Shiloh Christian, they spent hours discussing the Bible at her family’s home, which was when Michelle felt their connection deepen significantly. As she put it, “our hearts were knit together” from that point on. They both graduated high school in May of 1984 and got married in July, with Michelle being 17 and Jim Bob being 19 years old at the time.

The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.

Jim Bob previously served as a legislator in Arkansas, representing the sixth district in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. During this time, he held the position of vice chair in the House Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. He ran for the U.S Senate in 2002 but was unsuccessful in the primary, and his attempt to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35 in 2006 also ended in defeat.

He and Michelle, both realtors with valid licenses, have been actively involved in conservative movements – a facet of their lives that has earned them the support and criticism from ’19 Kids and Counting,’ a show that premiered in 2008 as ’17 Kids and Counting.’ They are both advocates and critics of this program.

As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.

The eldest member of the Duggars, Josh Duggar, was born on March 3, 1988. Similarly involved in conservatism, he advocated for the Family Research Council.

In 2015, police records from the past emerged which implicated him in allegations of molesting several girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, when he was a teenager. Afterwards, Jessa stood up for her brother in an interview with Fox News in June, stating that the harsh accusations against Josh were “exaggerated and false,” despite criticism for her stance, as she herself was one of the victims involved.

His wife, Anna Duggar – the one he wedded during their September 26, 2008 wedding that was showcased on “19 Kids and Counting” – has remained loyal to him, even following his confession of infidelity.

Upon admitting him to a rehabilitation facility in the year 2016, his parents described it as an essential initial move towards recovery and healing.

The parents of Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), Marcus (June 2, 2013), and two more children – Meredith (born July 16, 2015) and Mason Garett (September 12, 2017) – had their seventh child, Madyson Lily, on October 23, 2021. Anna gave birth to Meredith on the same day TLC canceled “19 Kids” due to a scandal. Maryella Hope joined the family on November 27, 2019.

In an indictment filed in April 2021, Josh faced charges for receiving and possessing child pornography. On both counts, he pleaded not guilty. Later in 2022, he was convicted of both offenses, but the possession charge was later dismissed by the judge. As a result, Josh received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

A short while following Josh’s birth, Michelle conceived once more, unfortunately resulting in a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought spiritual direction, they discovered that twins were expected.

She shared that it felt like a special gift twice over, telling Love to Know. God was giving us comfort and guidance throughout this learning process. It’s quite extraordinary because usually, I nurse my children one after the other, but in our case, I have a baby and then another on the way only eight months later. This is just another testament to the unique ways that the Lord works within our unique circumstances.

John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990.

Following a longtime acquaintanceship, which was rekindled at a church gathering in Oklahoma, where they originally hailed from, John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett exchanged vows on November 3, 2018, after a brief engagement period.

On January 7, 2020, they lovingly welcomed a new addition to their family, Grace Annette Duggar. Then, nine months later in September 2022, another child joined them, named Charlie Duggar.

On my 30th birthday in January 2020, I penned a heartfelt note expressing an interesting phenomenon John and I have experienced since childhood: the question of whether we share some sort of intuitive connection, as if we could sense each other’s emotions or thoughts. I’ve always maintained that this wasn’t the case-but when little Gracie entered our lives, something remarkable happened. On the day she was born, I felt every ounce of joy radiating from John, as if it were my own. So, I must admit, perhaps there is some truth to this ‘twin thing’ after all!

Jana went on to say, “It’s truly heartwarming to see you and Abbie in your parental roles! You both seem so natural at it! The very traits that have made you such a fantastic brother will undoubtedly make you a terrific father as well.

Jana waited as eleven out of her eighteen siblings tied the knot before she found love with Stephen Wissmann – who’s linked to her brother Jeremiah through marriage to Hannah Wissmann. Although she acknowledged certain annoyances, she believed it was all a piece of God’s design.

In August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana shared with People that she hasn’t always grasped the larger scope of things, but she believes God has the wisdom to know what’s best for everyone. For her personally, getting married later in life suited her. She expressed that everyone’s life story unfolds uniquely, and if we were all identical, life would lack excitement.

Jill Duggar, later known as Jill Dillard, was born on the 17th of May in 1991. In a romantic tale that mirrored her parents’ own love story, Jill met Derick (a fellow resident from approximately 45 minutes away) during Christmas season of 2011. This chance encounter took place when Derick dropped by the Duggar family home while he and his church group were caroling.

Jim Bob played cupid, which led Jill and Derick to develop a strong bond through emails and Skype calls. Later in November, they traveled to meet Derick in Nepal, where their connection deepened even further. Continuing to grow closer, they eventually fell in love. In February 2014, Derick asked Jim Bob for Jill’s hand in marriage, and they got married on June 21, 2014. The couple now has three sons: Israel, born April 6, 2015; Samuel, born July 8, 2017; and Frederick, born July 7, 2022.

In the month of April, 2024, Jill announced that she had experienced a miscarriage during her pregnancy with their first daughter together.

In the June 2023 premiere of “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” on Amazon Prime Video, Jill and Derick pondered over the disputes and religious convictions related to her family that were depicted within the documentary.

Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.

Jessa encountered Ben at church, and he started pursuing her romantically in 2013, which was an antiquated method of courtship for many spectators. Prior to their engagement, the couple didn’t discuss their relationships openly. Jim Bob clarified to People that courting involves getting to know each other within a group setting, with both families spending time together and the couple establishing mutual goals to determine if they are suitable for marriage. On the other hand, dating usually implies couples spending time alone together, which can sometimes lead to a more intimate relationship.

In August 2014, Ben proposed to Jessa, and their engagement was sealed by holding hands for the first time. They tied the knot on November 1, 2014. While pregnant with their first child, their reality show, “19 Kids and Counting,” was discontinued. This was followed by a special airing on TLC titled “Breaking the Silence,” focusing on sexual abuse, featuring Jill and Jessa, to enlighten viewers about the subject. That winter, they became the main stars of their own show, “Jill and Jessa: Counting On.” Over time, this series expanded to include other Duggar siblings, becoming known as simply “Counting On.

Over the course of several years, Jessa and Ben had four children: Spurgeon (born November 5, 2015), Henry (February 6, 2017), Ivy Jane (May 28, 2019), and Fern (July 2021). In February 2023, Jessa shared that she had experienced a miscarriage during the holiday season of 2022. However, she went on to have another son named George in December 2023.

In August 2025, Jessa announced baby No. 6 had arrived.

The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993.

Jinger and Jeremy first met while working on ministry projects in Laredo, Texas, back in 2016. They began dating around that time, got married on November 5th, which happened to be their nephew Spurgeon’s birthday (quite a coincidence considering there are 19 of them!). Soon after their wedding, people started spreading pregnancy rumors about the newlyweds.

In a year’s time, we anticipate staying put, continuing our work in ministry here in Laredo, and simply striving to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we are able. This was stated by Jinger on a June 2017 episode of Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their child named Felicity entered the world. They announced in May of the same year that Jinger was expecting again; unfortunately, she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November 2020, Evangeline Jo joined their family as their newborn daughter.

Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.

On January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar was born. Leveraging the charming ambiance, Joseph popped the question to Kendra, whom he had met through church, during his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, following a brief courtship of just a few months.

In an exhilarating burst of enthusiasm, I confessed to People that my heart pounded with anticipation leading up to the moment, yet the thought of rejection never crossed my mind. You see, she had already planted the seeds by saying, “I’m just biding my time for you!” Joseph was what I uttered after proposing, while Kendra chimed in with a beaming smile, expressing her joy, shock, and a flood of emotions she longed to express, but found herself momentarily speechless – utterly shocked.

Since then, they have shared the news of the births: Garrett, who arrived in June 2018, followed by Addison in November 2019, and most recently Brooklyn, born in February 2021.

The family has lately revealed that they have welcomed three new members into their fold. Garrett was born in June 2018, followed by Addison in November 2019, and Brooklyn joined them in February 2021.

Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.

A few months into their public relationship, they revealed their engagement in March 2018. He declared in a statement that the location where he popped the question to Lauren was the same spot where her parents became engaged. This site carries a lot of family history, making it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.

Michelle, future mother-in-law of Lauren, expressed her affection in a family blog post video, saying, “Lauren is truly special, like a treasure.” Jessa and Ben also extended their congratulations with chocolate shaped as x’s and o’s. They hinted at a sweet reward, saying, “We think you might be saving your first kiss for the wedding day, but if you visit us here, we’ll give you…” Holding up the delightful incentive, she revealed it.

Josiah and Marjorie Jackson had a romantic involvement in the past, but it ended amicably during the summer of 2015. In an interview with People magazine in March 2016, Josiah reflected that they enjoyed their time together. He stated that they were trying to listen to God’s guidance in every aspect of their relationship. Marjorie felt that it wasn’t the appropriate moment for them then, so they temporarily parted ways.

On June 30, 2018, he and Lauren got married, describing their wedding day to People as “completely perfect.” On November 8, 2019, they welcomed their first child, Bella Milagro, whose name means “miracle baby.” This came after the couple had experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. In 2022, they expanded their family with another daughter named Daisy, and in May 2023, they welcomed a son named Ezra.

Ninth sibling Joy-Anna Duggar was born Oct. 28, 1997.

She had been friends with Austin Forsyth for fifteen years before he began pursuing her romance. After that point, they didn’t delay their plans. He popped the question in February 2017 and got married on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the very church where Joseph proposed to Kendra!

Joy-Anna and Austin had their firstborn son, Gideon Martin Forsyth, on February 23, 2018, followed by the arrival of daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth on August 21, 2020, and later, another son named Gunner James Forsyth, who was born on May 17, 2023.

The second pair of twins for Jim Bob and Michelle, named Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, made their arrival on December 30, 1998.

In the spring of 2021, Jed tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu following a year-long courtship. Now they are proud parents to their son Truett who was born in May 2022, and daughter Nora Kate, who joined their family in June 2023.

In July 2024, Jed and Katey shared the exciting news that they were expecting twin girls. On January 8, 2025, their daughters Elsie Kate and Emma Kate entered the world.

Jeremiah, a licensed aviation trainer, is married to Hannah Wissmann (sister of Stephen, Jana’s husband), and together they have two daughters: Brynley, born in December 2022, and Brielle, born in February 2024.

They announced the arrival of their third daughter, Emery ‘Emy’ Jane Duggar, on May 18, 2025.

No. 12 Jason Duggar was born on April 21, 2000.

In January 2017, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a $33,000 property in need of renovation in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Duggar family’s main residence. As a result, he founded his own construction company.

In May 2024, he made their relationship public on Instagram with Maddie Grace. They got married the following October.

Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001.

I haven’t declared my romantic intentions towards him, but I adore his role as a loving uncle to so many of his nieces and nephews.

I haven’t made our relationship official yet, but I am captivated by his devotion as an affectionate uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews.

On his 19th birthday in 2019, Michelle wrote that James is the beloved “fun uncle” among the younger boys around him. Everyone admires him and aspires to be like him. As a child, James was always tinkering with household appliances, taking them apart to understand their workings, modifying them occasionally, and then putting them back together. Even now, he’s capable of accomplishing almost anything he sets his mind to.

2021 saw James dedicating himself diligently towards earning his CDL. Now, he’s proficiently maneuvering massive trucks and complex machinery – quite an achievement! We eagerly anticipate uncovering the divine plans ahead for him.

No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.

In September 2020, he announced his relationship with Claire Spivey. They got engaged in November of the same year, and they tied the knot on February 26, 2021.

In the company of his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifteenth offspring, Jackson Duggar, entered the world on the 23rd of May, 2004.

On the 23rd of May, 2004, their fifteenth child, Jackson Duggar, was born with his sister Jill by his side, under the care of Jim Bob and Michelle.

On my 16th birthday, my mom, Michelle, commended me on my wit and mentioned how eager I seemed to obtain my driver’s license.

Or:

Turning sixteen, my mom, Michelle, applauded my humor and revealed she knew I was impatiently anticipating getting my driver’s license.

Johannah Duggar, who was born on October 11, 2005, became part of the original TLC series titled “16 Kids and Counting,” later renamed “Counting On.

On her daughter’s 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle wrote: “This girl is full of fun and always social, and she truly enjoys meeting new people.” Her younger sisters can’t help but love her dearly, seeing her as nothing short of a celestial body, and Michelle couldn’t be more thankful to God for allowing her to be this child’s mother.

Jennifer Duggar arrived on Aug. 2, 2007, then the baby of the family.

Their TLC show that premiered Sept. 29, 2008, was christened 17 Kids and Counting.

Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d describe myself as reliable, loyal, and full of joy – just like the remarkable Jennifer who turned 13 recently. My family adores me, often clinging to me because they cherish our time together!

I also have a soft spot for animals that runs deep. Every day, I am devoted to ensuring my beloved pets receive the care they deserve. Recently, I even took on the challenge of helping raise a brood of 7 little bunnies, nurturing them with love and patience until they were ready to venture out on their own. Jennifer is truly a beacon of warmth and compassion in our lives!

Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.

Back in 2019, Jordyn-Grace was described by her mother as an outgoing young lady who seems to instantly connect with everyone she meets. Her laughter, it was said, often adds a shining ray of joy to our days.

Josie Duggar, currently cradling her niece Meredith, entered the world on December 10, 2009. Arriving three months early, she weighed a mere 1 pound and 6 ounces. Due to her prematurity, she spent a significant six months receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle penned that Josie is like a whirlwind of activity. From the moment she greets the day until she finally dozes off, it’s seldom that she takes a break!

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2025-08-13 22:21