In 2009, Natalie “Octomom” Suleman captured worldwide attention when she made history by giving birth to the first surviving set of octuplets. Already a mother to six children—Amerah, Calyssa, Elijah, Caleb, Joshua, and Aidan—her family expanded to 14 with the arrival of Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, Makai, Maliyah, and Nariyah.
Her extraordinary story, however, was not without controversy. Suleman had all her pregnancies through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a process overseen by Dr. Michael Kamrava. In 2008, Kamrava implanted 12 embryos, resulting in eight live births. Suleman later claimed she had not agreed to such a high number, alleging that the doctor had misled her while she was under medication. Kamrava denied these accusations, insisting he acted according to her wishes.
Regardless of intent, the California state medical board deemed his actions “grossly negligent” and revoked his medical license in 2011, as reported by Reuters.
Struggles and a Tumultuous Career Path
With her sudden fame came immense financial and personal challenges. Raising 14 children as a single mother was no easy feat, and Suleman turned to unconventional methods to make ends meet. Over the years, she took on various jobs, including working as a stripper, starring in an adult film, and even participating in celebrity boxing matches.
She also used her public platform for activism, posing in a campaign for PETA to promote animal spaying and neutering. Despite her efforts, financial hardship persisted, and in 2012, she filed for bankruptcy, citing over $1 million in debt, according to PEOPLE.
Her legal troubles escalated in 2014 when she was charged with welfare fraud for failing to report $26,000 in earnings. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to probation, community service, and repayment of the unreported funds.
A Shift Towards Stability and Privacy
Despite the chaos of her early years in the spotlight, Suleman eventually made a dramatic shift in her life. In 2018, she announced that she had stepped away from fame, choosing instead to work full-time as a counselor. She occasionally took part in international photoshoots to supplement her income but prioritized a more stable and private life for her children.
Public assistance has helped her navigate financial challenges, but Suleman has remained steadfast in her commitment to raising her children with values of humility and honesty. She has openly shared her past with them, using her experiences as lessons in resilience and personal growth.
Celebrating Milestones and Embracing Family Life
On January 26, 2024, Suleman’s octuplets reached a significant milestone—their 15th birthday. She took to Instagram to express her pride, writing:
“Happy 15th birthday Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, and Makai! I am so proud of the young adults you are growing into! Stay true to yourselves, humble, kind, and honest.”
Now living a quieter life, Suleman remains focused on nurturing her children and providing them with the stability she once struggled to find. While her journey has been filled with highs and lows, she is grateful for the lessons learned, the love of her family, and the opportunity to build a future beyond the media’s glare.