How New Mom Jill Duggar Avoided Getting ''Discouraged'' Ahead of Baby Israel's Late Birth

"No big deal" the TLC star said of her son's late arrival

By Alyssa Toomey Apr 07, 2015 6:35 PMTags
Jill DuggarInstagram

Jill Duggar and Derek Dillard are finally parents! 

The happy couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Israel David Dillard, on Monday, weeks after the 19 Kids and Counting beauty's due date.

According to People, both mom and baby are doing well and surely, the proud parents will soon be commemorating the occasion on Instagram, but we presume the happy couple is relieved over the arrival of their wee one, who reportedly weighed in at 9 pounds, 10 ounces.

So, how did the new mom keep her spirits up as her baby bump grew bigger than ever? The 23-year-old reality star turned to her midwife training—and set two due dates for herself! 

MORE: Get the scoop on Jill and Derek's new addition to their family!

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"I have told myself, 'First-time moms often go a week and a half over, so don't get discouraged,'" Duggar, who set a personal due date of April 5, 12 days after their child's expected arrival, shared with People. "When everyone else is asking you, 'When are you going to have that baby?' The baby will come when the baby comes." 

She added that she was "planning on the baby coming late, no big deal – if you have it in your head that way, you won't get discouraged." 

The 19 Kids and Counting star documented her pregnancy on Instagram and just three days prior to giving birth, her hubby posted a photo of her baby bump at 41 weeks and four days. 

The new addition to their family is the fourth grandchild for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who also posted a touching message following Israel's arrival on Facebook. 

PHOTOS: Couples we love and admire 

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"We are so thankful for a healthy Mom and baby! Love this sweet baby Israel! We are happy grandparents and we promise more pictures soon!" the TLC stars wrote. 

The conservative Christian couple announced Jill's pregnancy just two months after tying the knot—and they've already opened up about the possibility of baby No. 2. 

"We're open to as many children as God will give us," the new mom previously dished. "We believe children are a blessing from the Lord and a gift from him."

Congrats to the happy couple! 

PHOTOS: The Duggars' best Instagram pictures 

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