Octomom, the nickname given to Nadya Suleman, became a household name after giving birth to octuplets in 2009, making headlines worldwide. Her story captured the public’s attention, sparking debates about fertility treatments, motherhood, and the media’s role in shaping public perception. From the initial joy of her record-breaking birth to the controversies and challenges that followed, Nadya’s journey has been anything but ordinary. This article delves into everything you need to know about Octomom – her rise to fame, the media frenzy surrounding her, and where she stands today.
In the years since her octuplets’ birth, Nadya Suleman has faced both intense scrutiny and public support. From battling personal and financial difficulties to striving to raise her large family, her life has been a mixture of highs and lows. In this article, we explore her past, the controversies that defined her, and how she has navigated the spotlight.
A Dream of Having a Big Family One Day
Nadya Suleman was born on July 11, 1975, to an Iraqi father and a Lithuanian mother. Growing up as an only child, she longed for emotional connection, something she didn’t get at home.
As she got older, Nadya dreamed of having a large family of her own. It seemed like the perfect plan at the time, but little did she know, her life would take a turn she never saw coming.
A Journey From Adulthood to Motherhood
Right after high school, Nadya started planning her path to motherhood. She dreamed of having children as soon as possible, but also thought about going to college.
What she didn’t expect was to get pregnant sooner than she imagined. Her journey toward motherhood started a lot earlier than planned, but she was ready for it.
Falling in Love
In her early twenties, Nadya met a guy named Marcos Gutierrez. He was a charming producer, and the two clicked right away. They fell deeply in love, and things seemed perfect.
Nadya shared her dream of having a big family with him early on, and it turned out he wanted the same thing. They were on the same page, and everything seemed to be falling into place.
A Life-Changing Job
In 1996, Nadya married Marcos and began working toward a career. She earned her psychiatric technician license and started working at Metropolitan State Hospital.
The job was tough, but rewarding. However, it wasn’t long before Nadya realized that her dream of having a meaningful career would be tested in a big way.
A Disaster Waiting to Happen
Working at a psychiatric facility is always risky, and for Nadya, it became a nightmare. On September 18, 1999, a riot broke out with about twenty patients, and things got chaotic fast.
In the midst of it all, a wooden desk was thrown, landing on Nadya’s back. The result was a herniated disc injury, leaving her in pain and unable to work properly.
A Dream Put On Hold Unwillingly
Her injury left Nadya with serious physical pain, and her ability to work was significantly impacted. Though she received workers’ compensation, it only helped her temporarily.
Meanwhile, Nadya and her husband were struggling to start a family. They tried and tried, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t long before they had to face some tough truths.
When Reality Hits You
Nadya and Marcos eventually visited a doctor in hopes of getting some answers. The doctor’s advice was to keep trying different methods, but after many attempts, it still didn’t work.
Finally, they got the heartbreaking news: Marcos was sterile. Their dream of starting a family was suddenly more complicated than they ever imagined.
Drifting Apart
The news about Marcos’s infertility crushed Nadya. It was a tough pill to swallow, and she felt hopeless. But she didn’t give up on her dream of having kids. She pushed for alternative methods, but Marcos wasn’t on the same page.
The breaking point came when Nadya suggested IVF. The thought of using the procedure made Marcos uncomfortable, and he even threatened to leave her if she went through with it. The pressure of this decision weighed heavily on her.
Following Her Dream
Nadya faced the hardest decision of her life—stay in a marriage without children or follow her dream of motherhood. She had always craved the family she never had, and it was time to make it happen, even if it meant leaving her marriage behind.
In 2000, Nadya made the bold choice to pursue IVF, ending her marriage and stepping into a new chapter of her life with a clear goal: to have the family she always wanted.
An Expensive Procedure
The IVF process wasn’t just emotionally challenging, but financially draining too. Nadya knew the procedure had no guarantees, but after many failed attempts, she was willing to take the risk. She was ready to go all in on her dream, even with the price tag that came with it.
The doctors warned her about the potential risks involved, but Nadya didn’t let that stop her. She had already faced so much adversity, and now, this was her chance to finally get the family she’d always dreamed of.
The Greater the Risk, The Greater The Reward
Doctors explained that with IVF, multiple eggs could be fertilized, leading to the possibility of more than one baby. This reality excited Nadya, and instead of worrying about the risks, she felt hopeful and thrilled.
For the first time, she could see her dream becoming a reality. The possibility of bringing multiple babies into the world made her even more determined to go through with the process.
Bringing a New Life Into This World
In 2001, after a successful IVF procedure, Nadya gave birth to her first son, Elijah. The joy and excitement she felt were beyond words—she was finally a mother. This was the beginning of the big family she had always envisioned.
Elijah’s birth was the start of a new life for Nadya, one filled with love, challenges, and the realization of her long-held dream.
More Babies!
Nadya’s hope for a large family didn’t stop with one child. After Elijah, she gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Amerah, and was amazed by the results of IVF. Inspired by her success, she continued with the procedure, welcoming fraternal twins and two more children.
With six children in total, Nadya felt her dream was becoming a reality, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted more, and she wasn’t ready to stop.
A Courageous Decision
Even with six children, Nadya still felt something was missing. Determined to keep her dream alive, she made the decision that would make her a national sensation. She reached out to Dr. Michael Kamrava, the doctor who had helped her with previous IVF procedures.
With six leftover frozen embryos, Nadya wasn’t going to let them go to waste. She told Dr. Kamrava she was ready for another round of IVF and was prepared to implant all the embryos at once. This decision would change everything.
Six More Babies?
Dr. Michael Kamrava initially hesitated to agree with Nadya’s request to implant all of her remaining frozen embryos. However, her persistence and determination won him over.
What shocked everyone was when Dr. Kamrava went above and beyond, not just implanting six eggs, but a total of twelve. This bold move set the stage for an unexpected outcome.
Making Way For Octuplets
By injecting such a large number of embryos, Dr. Kamrava’s decision deviated from standard medical practices. Despite the unorthodox approach, Nadya had no regrets and began preparing for the arrival of her new family members.
To everyone’s surprise, eight of the twelve embryos successfully implanted, making Nadya pregnant with octuplets. Soon, questions arose about whether her body could handle carrying eight babies to term.
Octomom or Super Mom?
Carrying eight babies was no easy feat for Nadya. The physical toll of a multiple pregnancy became evident as people marveled at her ability to carry so many children at once.
Her story captivated the nation, and the media quickly dubbed her “Octomom.” She became an overnight sensation, admired by some and criticized by others for her choices.
A Sight To Behold Finally Came
The media eagerly awaited the birth of Nadya’s octuplets, and when the moment finally arrived, it was a major milestone. Nadya gave birth to her eight babies, and the world celebrated the first-ever set of live-born octuplets to survive for a week.
Though it was a miracle, it also raised concerns and sparked debates about the ethics of fertility treatments and the limits of a woman’s body.
All Eyes on Octomom
Nadya Suleman became a media sensation, with eyes all over the world focused on her and her family. While people were fascinated by her story, doctors were equally curious about the physical demands of carrying so many babies.
The birth of the octuplets led to a mix of admiration and criticism, with many questioning the motives behind her decision to have such a large family.
Octomom Everywhere!
Even before the birth of her babies, Nadya had become an internet sensation. Her story was everywhere, and the media ensured she stayed in the public eye.
As the country grew to know her as “Octomom,” she decided to take control of her narrative, hiring a public relations team to manage her image. However, managing the constant media attention proved to be more difficult than she expected.
Balancing the Octomom Persona
Fame had a way of changing people, and Nadya struggled to balance her Octomom persona with her real life. While some critics believed she was seeking fame, others admired her strength and resilience.
Over time, the pressure of being in the public eye began to take its toll on Nadya. The constant scrutiny and negative comments made her personal journey even more challenging.
The Pressure Kept on Mounting On Her
As the media frenzy continued, Nadya found it increasingly difficult to stay ahead of the story. The pressure to keep her image positive was overwhelming, and the demands of raising fourteen children started to take a heavy toll.
In an interview with People magazine, Nadya admitted that she wasn’t getting much sleep, only two or three hours a night. It became clear that the reality of her situation was far more complicated than anyone could have imagined.
A Low Point In Octomom’s Life
Despite the fading media attention, Nadya’s life remained under intense scrutiny. As she struggled to raise her 14 children, she turned to welfare for financial support.
The public fascination with her life continued, and the constant pressure to live up to the “Octomom” persona weighed heavily on her. She found herself at a low point, grappling with the difficulties of motherhood and the challenges of living in the spotlight.
False Rumors
As if media pressure and public criticism weren’t enough, Nadya had to deal with ugly rumors calling her an irresponsible mother. The gossip spread fast, and suddenly everyone had an opinion.
Things got so serious that Child Protective Services stepped in. After checking her home, they found it suitable for children and cleared her name. Still, the damage from those headlines kinda lingered.
One Problem After Another
Just when that drama cooled down, her landlord accused her of violating the lease. Instead of handling it privately, he went straight to the media. That only made things worse for her public image.
He eventually evicted her, leaving Nadya scrambling for housing assistance and emergency rental support. With 14 kids to think about, she had no room for mistakes.
Difficult Times
Money was tight. Really tight. Raising 14 children means insane grocery bills, childcare costs, and basic living expenses. The financial pressure was nonstop.
To stay afloat, she explored entertainment deals, reality TV offers, and even adult film industry work. She also tried business ventures, hoping for stable income streams, but not everything worked out the way she planned.
A Fresh Start
After years of controversy, Nadya realized the spotlight was doing more harm than good. Media exposure wasn’t helping her kids. It was draining her.
So she stepped back. Changed her name to Natalie. Finished her college degree. Eventually, she started working in the mental health field as a family therapist, focusing on child development and behavioral health. A total reset.
How Are The Kids Today?
Her octuplets turned 10 back in 2019, and from what she shares, they’re doing well. The family follows a strict vegan diet and keeps a low profile.
Natalie says she believes in honest parenting and emotional transparency. Her kids are described as humble, polite, and grounded despite all the media chaos they were born into.
A Guardian Angel
Natalie has said many times that everything she did, even the questionable choices, was for her kids. Now in her early 40s, she’s left behind the controversial jobs and media stunts.
In interviews, she talks about a “guardian angel” moment back in 2013. A stranger approached her and told her she didn’t have to keep going down that path. That short conversation changed her life. Sometimes one sentence hits harder than anything.
Looking into the Past
Looking back, Natalie admitted that some of her decisions were “foolish, immature, and selfish.” She knows she didn’t fully think through the long-term consequences.
But here’s the thing — she says she has no regrets about her children. Not one. Today, her main focus is stable parenting, financial responsibility, and giving her 14 kids the best future possible. That’s the part that matters most to her now.
A Simple Life
Raising 14 kids as a single mother is no small feat, but Natalie is managing it well in her cozy three-bedroom apartment. Though living paycheck to paycheck, she remains hopeful for the future of her family. In an interview with Daily Mail, she shared that despite the struggles, she now feels “at peace” with the life she’s built. What brings her peace is her ability to inspire other women with her story.
She now uses her experiences to help others make informed decisions for themselves and their children. Natalie has distanced herself from the “Octomom” persona, admitting that it almost destroyed her. She confided, “I didn’t want to live. I felt less than human as that character I was pretending to be, to survive and provide for my family.”
Saying Goodbye to Social Life
Being the mother of 14 kids means there’s little time for socializing, and Natalie spends most of her days with her youngest children, the octuplets—Makai, Josiah, Isaiah, Jonah, Maliyah, Jeremiah, Nariyah, and Noah. She also has six older kids from her previous IVF rounds: Elijah (17), Amerah (16), Joshua (14), Aiden (12), and 11-year-old twins Calyssa and Caleb.
She doesn’t want her children to associate her with the “Octomom” image. In a Daily Mail interview, she said, “I was forced into doing things I didn’t want to do because I was so terrified I couldn’t support them and give them the life they deserved.”
A Normal Family
Natalie has embraced a hands-on approach to motherhood, spending most of her time with her kids. Her life may be far from glamorous, but she finds joy in the little moments. As she puts it, “They fight, play, fight and play again like any normal family.”
Some of her children are outgoing, while others are shy, and her son Aiden, who has autism, is lovingly cared for by his siblings. Natalie makes sure they understand that being different is nothing to be ashamed of.
Values and Virtues
Despite all the hardships, Natalie has instilled strong values and virtues in her children. She teaches them the importance of giving and gratitude by only giving each child one gift during the holiday season. This practice aims to help them understand the value of hard work and the importance of earning, rather than expecting gifts from life.
In an interview with US Weekly, she explained, “I’m focusing on raising the kids to focus on serving other people, to get out of their own head.”
Schooling
Sending one or two kids off to school can be stressful enough, but Natalie had to juggle the back-to-school chaos with eight kids. She shared a photo on Instagram, captioning it, “Any other parents exceptionally stressed and overwhelmed by the first week back to school?”
As the “official bus driver” for her crew, she makes sure to get her kids to and from school, a job that keeps her on her toes!
Staying Fit and Strong
Taking care of 14 kids requires strength—both physical and mental. Natalie knows that if she’s not in top shape, it’s going to be harder to handle the challenges that come her way. To cope with the stress, she carves out time to work out at the gym for an hour or two each day.
She shared her routine on Instagram, saying, “The stress literally drips off of me, as I’m drenched in the end. Being physical has significantly helped me cope with so many challenges I’ve struggled with throughout my life.” Staying fit has been a key to her resilience, helping her manage the pressure of daily life.
Girls Night
Though Natalie is a strict mom, she always makes time to bond with her kids and have fun. Every so often, she enjoys a spa night with her daughters, creating special memories together.
She makes sure all her kids feel loved and cared for, whether that means enjoying a relaxing girls’ night or watching a horror movie with her sons. It’s all about finding balance and making time for each child.
Sharing Her Side of Story
In May 2018, Natalie appeared on The Dr. Oz Show to set the record straight and share more about her journey. It was a great opportunity for her to explain why she chose IVF and how she ended up with 12 embryos implanted.
That episode became a must-watch, as she opened up about her transformation—from Nadya to “Octomom”—and how she’s now fully dedicated to raising her children.
Fascinating Genetics
Genetics can be a mystery, but it’s fascinating to see how it shapes families. For Natalie, having 14 kids with such diverse traits proves just how unique and complex genetics can be.
She feels incredibly blessed to have children who each bring something special into the world, with no two being exactly the same.
Active Octuplets
Natalie’s 14 children are all living healthy, active lives. They follow a vegan diet, and Natalie makes sure they’re all involved in physical activities to stay fit.
A picture from the Russ Miller Memorial 5K race in February 2018 shows the octuplets doing their part to raise money for important causes while having fun together.
Taking School Projects Seriously
Her kids not only care about charity, but they’re also dedicated to their schoolwork. For a project, the octuplets created superhero posters, and their creativity shined through.
In the middle of it all, Caleb managed to photo-bomb a picture, showing off his playful side while still getting involved in their education.
World’s Greatest Mom
Natalie feels incredibly loved by her children, and it’s moments like receiving handmade cards and gifts that make her feel truly blessed.
She’s considering writing a book about her experiences raising an autistic child alongside her 13 other kids. As she shared with Daily Mail, “It’s a story that needs to be told, and I think it will encourage a lot of women to draw up the strength they didn’t know they had.”
Mother-Daughters Bond
Natalie Suleman has four daughters, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. Amerah (16), Calyssa (11), and the 9-year-old twins Maliah and Nariyah share an incredibly close bond with their mother.
In this picture, taken on Amerah’s birthday, the resemblance is striking, but it’s the love and connection between them that truly shines through. It’s clear these girls share a special bond with their mom.
Family Fun Night Tradition
Natalie believes in the power of family traditions to keep everyone close. That’s why she’s created a “Family Fun Night” every Saturday, where the family comes together to bond and make memories.
The fun night includes everything from watching horror movies (like The Shining) to playing chess and having educational discussions. Her kids love it, and it’s a tradition they all look forward to each week.
Slaying Costumes
Natalie’s kids know they’re different, but they embrace it with pride. Instead of hiding, they join in activities just like any other kids.
In this picture, they’re having a blast during a school play in Orange County, rocking their costumes and enjoying the moment. You can’t help but smile at the joy on their faces.
Vegan Kids
Natalie shared a fun picture on Instagram, joking, “Could we be any more vegan?” While the older six kids aren’t fully vegan, the octuplets are passionate about their plant-based diet.
Natalie ensures their meals are healthy and organic, including raw kale, health shakes, bell peppers, collard greens, and beets. This vegan lifestyle has helped her with some health issues after the birth of the octuplets, and she believes it makes “cheat meals” even more enjoyable for the family.
The Difficulties of Capturing a Family Photo
Getting a family photo with 14 kids is no easy task! In this hilarious picture, you can see some kids smiling while others are laughing, and of course, their family cat makes an appearance too.
Natalie posted the photo with a funny caption: “So THIS is what happened when we attempted to take a fun family photo with as many family members as possible. Per usual, Elijah, Amerah, and JJ are absent from the pic.”
Creating a YouTube Channel
In addition to being a counselor, Natalie decided to create a YouTube channel to share her life story and help others. Her channel is a place to open up about her experiences and provide advice, particularly for those struggling with substance abuse.
Her first video featured her eldest daughter, Amerah, reading a heartfelt Mother’s Day letter she wrote for Natalie at a women’s event in Long Beach, California. It was a touching moment shared with the world.
Thanksgiving Fun Run and Awareness
Natalie not only teaches her kids the importance of helping others but also gets them involved in giving back. On Thanksgiving, 10 of her 14 kids participated in the Turkey Trot 5K fun run, all wearing matching T-shirts.
It was a proud moment for Natalie, especially as Maliyah, Josiah, Noah, and Isaiah won their respective age groups. Despite being a mostly vegan family, they embraced the holiday spirit with energy and enthusiasm, showing their commitment to both fitness and fun.
A Constant Struggle From Within
Natalie Suleman’s journey has been nothing short of incredible. Carrying eight babies at once took a toll on her body, leaving her with injuries like four ruptured discs in her lumbar spine, sacral damage, and peripheral neuropathy.
Despite the pain, she doesn’t let it hold her back. Instead of running, Natalie climbs 10 miles a day on the stairmaster. She also prefers to work out at women-only gyms due to her struggles with social anxiety. In gratitude, she shared a photo on social media to thank people who sent her gym clothes when she couldn’t afford any for years.
Not Forgetting the Past
On social media, Natalie shared a picture from Halloween 1978, showing her childhood self. Even though she’s changed her name from Nadya to Natalie, she’s never forgotten where she came from. Her past remains part of the story that shaped her into the mother she is today.
Cat Momma
Natalie’s maternal instincts were apparent even when she was young. In 1975, she shared a picture of herself with her mom and siblings, alongside her beloved cat Boots. Growing up, she had many cats, but Boots was her favorite.
Now, her kids share the same love for cats. Calyssa is particularly fond of them, and her siblings were amazed by how overweight Boots had become, weighing in at over 50 pounds!
Looking Back On History
Natalie posted a throwback picture of her mother from 1940, showing her when she was just two years old. This photo helped explain the mixed complexions of her children—some of them have fair skin while others have a darker complexion.
Celebrating 10th Birthday
The octuplets celebrated their 10th birthday at Circus Trix OC, and the joy on their faces was a clear message to anyone who doubted Natalie’s ability to raise her kids.
With the milestone, she told Inside Edition, “Now that 10 years have passed, I feel as though I can relax and be myself, and be real.” It was a moment of personal reflection and pride in her accomplishments as a mother.
Responsible and Caring Kids
Though Natalie’s three-bedroom home may seem small to others, it’s perfect for her 14 kids. Everyone has their role, and chores are divided up fairly.
For example, Nariyah loves to cook, and she often prepares meals for the family. Meanwhile, Noah and Maliah take care of the laundry. This teamwork keeps the household running smoothly.
Talented and Hardworking Kids
Natalie is incredibly proud of her kids. While she’s strict about chores, she also encourages them to pursue their passions. Some of her children play musical instruments, while others enjoy math challenges.
Noah, for example, loves the violin. Natalie shared a picture on Instagram to congratulate him on his first strings performance, celebrating his growth and dedication.
Blessed with Little Angels
Natalie doesn’t hesitate to express how grateful she is for her children. She regularly shares their special moments on social media, highlighting just how blessed she feels.
In an interview with Inside Edition, she said, “I couldn’t do it without my kids. They are literal angels.” Her love for them is evident in every word.
Going All Nostalgic
Natalie Suleman has always made it a priority to show equal love and affection to all 14 of her children. She believes that every child deserves their own special moments of attention.
To celebrate Elijah’s 18th birthday, Natalie shared a nostalgic photo of her first-born child. For her, moments like these are precious, and she knows exactly when to look back and cherish them.
To a Better Future
As her children continue to grow, Natalie revealed to Inside Edition that she’s no longer in contact with the sperm donor. She does, however, plan to reach out to him once all her kids turn 18. Her other children are from a different donor.
What’s remarkable is that Natalie promised the donor she would never reveal his identity. Despite receiving offers of up to a million dollars from the media, she has kept that promise, maintaining the donor’s privacy.
She Proved All of Them Wrong.
When the media first caught wind of Nadya’s decision to have a large family, many doubted her ability to succeed as a mother. Yet, Natalie proved all of them wrong. She defied expectations and showed the world that she could raise her children with love, dedication, and strength.
This year, she celebrated Mother’s Day with her kids and shared a powerful Instagram photo. It was her way of reminding everyone who once doubted her that she’s done more than just survive—she’s thrived, raising her 14 children with care and resilience.
