In 2009, Nadya Suleman made headlines around the world when she became known as “Octomom” after giving birth to octuplets. Before the arrival of her eight babies, Nadya was already a mother of six. The birth of the octuplets was especially remarkable because they were the first set to survive, and the media attention surrounding this event was immense.
Following the birth of the octuplets, Nadya faced serious financial struggles. At the time, she was unemployed, and providing for 14 children quickly became a huge challenge. Desperate to support her large family, Nadya explored various unconventional ways to make ends meet. She posed nude for photos, worked briefly in the adult entertainment industry, participated in celebrity boxing matches, and even attempted to trademark the nickname “Octomom” for potential business ventures.
While many questioned Nadya’s motives and choices during this time, in the end, there was a general recognition of the lengths she went to in order to care for her family. She was often criticized for the path she took, but it was clear that she was doing what she could to ensure her children were provided for.
By 2013, Nadya decided to leave the public eye. In an interview with People magazine in 2016, she explained that her decision to step away from the spotlight was influenced by her children, particularly her eldest daughter, Amerah. “There was definitely a catalyst — my girls, particularly my oldest daughter Amerah,” Suleman shared. “She was about 10, and she started integrating my traits and behaviors.”
Nadya realized that her lifestyle was starting to impact her children in a way that she didn’t want. “After I had observed my daughter beginning to emulate me, I saw her going down that same potentially destructive path, and I realized at that moment I’d rather be homeless in my van with all 14 kids than continuing down this path. It was not what I wanted for my children.”
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In 2024, Nadya’s octuplets — Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, and Makai — turned 15 years old. To celebrate the milestone, Nadya shared a heartfelt post, reflecting on the time that has passed since their birth and posting a throwback picture of the siblings celebrating their first birthday. Nadya tends to keep her children’s lives relatively private but occasionally shares updates on social media.
When the octuplets entered eighth grade, Nadya posted a picture of them and expressed her pride, saying, “Feel proud of yourselves, children, for being kind, respectful, and helpful to your classmates, teachers, and school staff.” She also noted that her teenagers serve as excellent role models for younger students in sixth and seventh grade.
She wrapped up the post with a red heart emoji and a loving message, “I love you.” Nadya also added a message for her critics, explaining that her older children did not want her to post their photos, and she respected their decision. “Their older siblings did not want me to post a picture on their first day. I respect their choice, so should you,” she wrote.
In the previous year, when her octuplets officially became teenagers, Nadya marked the occasion with a touching tribute on Instagram. “You are all growing into some of the most kind, humble, grateful and loving human beings I have ever known,” she wrote. “Each of you possess rare and unique characteristics, and are unlike any other child of your age, particularly in our society today.”
She went on to describe her children as “unselfish, compassionate, humble, and affectionate, reverent, devoted to God,” adding that she had never seen children so eager to help others, especially those less fortunate. “You are not followers of this shallow world, but of a God that created and loves you unconditionally,” she continued. “I do not know what I could possibly have done to deserve being blessed so bountifully. I love you ❤️.”
Indeed, the Suleman family seems to be full of love.
