In 2009, the world was taken aback by the news of a mother giving birth to octuplets, capturing headlines and sparking discussions worldwide. Fast forward to 2023, and these octuplets are now 14 years old, thriving in the 8th grade, proving many skeptics wrong.
While stories of mothers delivering twins, triplets, or even quadruplets have become more common, the arrival of octuplets remains a rare occurrence. Nadya Suleman, dubbed “Octomom” by the media at the time, became a focal point of public attention after welcoming eight babies into the world.
Despite the media’s moniker, Nadya prefers to be known simply as a mom, rather than “Octomom.” This distinction reflects her role not only as the mother of the octuplets but also as a parent to her six older children who came before her youngest offspring.
Meet Nadya, the woman who became known as the world’s first “Octomom.” When she received the news of her pregnancy, she was already a mother to six children. Imagine her astonishment when the doctor revealed that she wasn’t expecting just one more child, but eight!
While the idea of having quadruplets might have seemed manageable, the prospect of carrying eight babies was undoubtedly overwhelming. Despite the challenges, Nadya bravely endured the pregnancy, and her children made history as the world’s first surviving octuplets.
Nariyah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Maliyah, Josiah, Jonah, Noah, and Makai celebrated their 14th birthday on January 27, 2023, and they are now thriving in the 8th grade. As a single parent, Nadya marked this special occasion by treating her youngest children to a day of fun at a go-kart facility, followed by a joyful pizza lunch in Orange County, California.
Nadya’s Motherhood Journey
Motherhood seemed to be written in Nadya’s destiny from the start. After welcoming her first son in 2001, followed by a daughter a year later, she embarked on a journey of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments. These treatments led to three additional pregnancies, one of which resulted in twins.
While Nadya has fully embraced her role as a mother to fourteen children, she openly admits that she never anticipated having such a large family. Already a mother to four sons and two daughters, she was taken aback when she learned she was expecting octuplets. Despite the unexpected nature of the news, Nadya welcomed her new additions with open arms.
However, the public’s reaction to her pregnancy was less than favorable. She faced judgment and criticism from various quarters, with some questioning her mental state and decision-making abilities. Despite the negativity directed her way, Nadya remained steadfast in her belief that she was a responsible parent.
Throughout the years, Nadya has worked tirelessly to provide for her children, even as a single mother. She raises her fourteen kids in a modest three-bedroom home in Orange County, dedicating her life to their well-being. Despite the challenges she has faced, Nadya’s commitment to her children remains unwavering.
Her Children’s Unique Traits
Every year, Nadya is struck by the remarkable growth of her children and the development of their individual personalities. As they celebrated their 13th birthday, she couldn’t contain her pride, expressing:
“Watching each of you grow into such kind, humble, grateful, and loving individuals fills my heart with joy. Your rare and distinctive qualities set you apart, making you stand out in a society that often values conformity.”
For Nadya, witnessing her children’s kindness and compassion blossom brings her immense fulfillment as a mother. Their unique traits evoke a myriad of emotions, particularly considering the dedication she has shown in raising them as a single parent over the years.
A Medical Accident
While Nadya has fully embraced her role as a mother to fourteen children, she openly acknowledges that she never anticipated having such a large family. Her journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant with octuplets, a revelation she claims came as a surprise.
Initially, Nadya was under the impression that she would only conceive twins, as indicated by her doctor, Dr. Michael Kamrava. However, it later emerged that Kamrava had misled her, resulting in the implantation of twelve embryos. This unethical practice led to the revocation of Kamrava’s medical license, prompting him to leave the United States.
By the time Nadya conceived her octuplets, she was already familiar with the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her journey with IVF treatments began in 1997, when she was just 21 years old, marking the beginning of her intricate path to motherhood.
Embracing Motherhood as it Goes
Despite the challenges she has faced, Nadya couldn’t be more content. She has tirelessly advocated for her family and strived to ensure they have everything they require. What’s more, her children recognize and value her efforts, often expressing their gratitude whenever they can.
Recently, the proud mother celebrated a significant milestone as her octuplets entered the 8th grade. She took the opportunity to commend her children, encouraging them to take pride in their accomplishments and to serve as exemplary role models for their peers. Nadya emphasized the importance of kindness, respect, and helpfulness, qualities her children exemplify in their interactions with others.
Nadya endeavors to capture each “first day of school” moment with her fourteen children, but the hustle and bustle of getting everyone ready in the morning can make it challenging. As a result, sometimes these pictures are taken a bit later, but they still mark the beginning of a new school year with joy and excitement.
Over the years, Nadya and her children have faced criticism, particularly regarding the absence of photos featuring her six older children. In response, she clarified that her older children preferred not to have their first day of school photos shared—a sentiment familiar to many parents of teenagers.