In 2009, Nadya Suleman, famously known as “Octomom,” captured the world’s attention by giving birth to the first surviving set of octuplets. Before her remarkable delivery, Nadya was already a mother to six children, bringing her family total to an astounding 14 kids.
Following the birth of the octuplets, Nadya faced financial challenges as a single mother without a steady income. She explored various avenues to support her family, including participating in unconventional activities like posing for nude photoshoots, briefly working in adult entertainment, joining celebrity boxing matches, and even attempting to trademark “Octomom” to create business opportunities. Though her choices were met with criticism, her determination to provide for her family remained evident, and many acknowledged her efforts to support her large household.
In 2013, Nadya decided to step away from public life. Speaking to People in 2016, she credited her oldest daughter, Amerah, as a pivotal influence in her decision. “There was definitely a catalyst — my girls, particularly my oldest daughter, Amerah,” Nadya shared. “She was about 10, and she started integrating my traits and behaviors.” Concerned that her daughter was mirroring her actions, Nadya realized she didn’t want her children to follow the same path. She reflected, “I’d rather be homeless in my van with all 14 kids than continue down that path. It was not what I wanted for my children.”
This year, Nadya’s octuplets — Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, and Makai — celebrated their 15th birthday. Nadya shared a heartfelt post, reminiscing with a throwback photo from their first birthday celebration. Although she rarely shares images of her children, she occasionally provides updates on social media. At the beginning of eighth grade, she posted a proud photo of her octuplets, expressing her joy over their accomplishments. “Feel proud of yourselves, children, for being kind, respectful, and helpful to your classmates, teachers, and school staff,” she wrote, applauding them for setting an example for younger students.
She closed her post with a single red heart emoji and a side note for critics: “Their older siblings did not want me to post a picture on their first day. I respect their choice, so should you.”
Last year, Nadya marked her octuplets’ entry into their teenage years with a tribute on Instagram. “You are all growing into some of the kindest, most humble, grateful, and loving human beings I have ever known. Each of you possesses unique qualities,” she wrote, describing them as “compassionate, humble, affectionate, reverent, and devoted to God.” Nadya expressed her awe at her children’s empathy and willingness to help those less fortunate, adding, “You are not followers of this shallow world but of a God who created and loves you unconditionally.”
Reflecting on her journey as a mother, Nadya expressed her gratitude for her blessings, writing, “I do not know what I could possibly have done to deserve being blessed so bountifully. I love you ❤️.”
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