Octomom’s Dark Side

For Natalie Suleman, eight would have been enough. 

To put it simply, Angela Suleman, a teacher from Lithuania, and Edward Suleman, a Palestinian restaurant owner, would have found joy in having seven children instead of just one.

Two years from now, the 18-year-old twins Caleb and Calyssa will have been part of the family for some time, joining their older siblings Elijah (age 23), Amerah (22), Joshua (21), and Aidan (19). At this point, the graduate student decided to schedule a meeting with Dr. Michael Kamrava, the fertility specialist who had assisted her in conceiving her six eldest children through in vitro fertilization.

In a unique conversation with TopMob News, Suleman clarified that he returned for another attempt. Historically, up to five or six embryos had been transferred into him, although most times, it led to just one baby, or singletons, as he put it, except for his twins.

According to plan, Kamrava had implanted the remaining six embryos (from the procedure she underwent to have twins). As Suleman described, her uterus began to contract strongly, and based on the doctor’s account, all of them were expelled. Even though she was heavily sedated, he inquired if it would be possible to transfer the additional six embryos that were in the petri dish.

In her conversation with TopMob, she admitted that she wasn’t completely alert at the time, yet she put her signature on the handwritten contract without even glancing at it.

In simpler terms, he moved forward with the six remaining embryos, and as he put it, “from that point on, things took a turn for the better.” Essentially, his life’s direction shifted significantly from that moment on.

Approximately seven months after this, on January 26, 2009, her well-known persona “Octomom” entered the world alongside the first surviving set of octuplets: Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Makai, Josiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah.

Having gone through the postpartum experience five times prior, Suleman was well-equipped to navigate another newborn stage, although this one proved to be significantly busier. The arrival of eldest Elijah presented the most difficulty, she mused, due to being a first-time experience. “As I had more children, it became increasingly familiar and natural,” she summarized.

No amount of parenting guides could have prepared her for the intensity of the hostility she faced.

Suleman stated that the media portrayed Octomom in a certain way, which he described as an exaggerated or distorted image. This image, he explained, was significantly different from his actual personality.

Although she aspired to create a larger family than the one she knew in Fullerton, California, it was clear that she wasn’t chasing fame or notoriety.

Suleman clarified, “One common misunderstanding is that I desired what was being assumed. What I truly craved was notoriety, and that assumption is unfounded.

Previously, a child development expert had attempted to clarify this matter, but unfortunately, her efforts were unsuccessful, as she mentioned. However, she’s now ready for another attempt, joining forces with Lifetime for the film “I Was Octomom,” and the six-part documentary series titled “Confessions of Octomom,” which will premiere on March 10.

As their youngest child recently turned 16, I find myself feeling inspired to embark on some truly remarkable endeavors. They’ve expressed a strong desire to share their tales, insights, and viewpoints with the world, and their enthusiasm has been contagious. This motivation, coupled with the opportunity these projects present, has led me to step forward boldly and embrace this new chapter in my life.

According to her perspective, the strong dislike she encountered – the mom shaming, close examination, and even death threats – were essentially the aftermath of a powerful storm. Suleman suggested that since people were struggling to find their footing during the 2008 economic downturn, they unconsciously looked for someone in society to blame as a scapegoat.

A single unemployed mom with 14 kids, she fit the bill. 

In 2025, Suleman pondered, “I didn’t think I’d be subjected to such unintended hatred.” However, later on, she contemplated, “I guess I served as a prime example of public criticism towards mothers.

Not that she had the time in the late ’00s to give it all that much consideration. 

Right after the octuplets were born, Suleman explained, “I was entirely preoccupied with their health and my own children at home. I didn’t have any free time because I deliberately chose to focus solely on my family. Everything else in the world didn’t matter to me. My family’s safety came first and foremost.

And that meant making some tough choices. 

She had nannies looking after the octuplets until they were 2 years old, after which she received no further help. Managing a weekly grocery bill of $1,000 that included 21 dozens of eggs and 20 gallons of milk, she found herself in need of both government aid and tireless effort to make ends meet.

In simpler terms, this involves striking agreements with newspapers that she previously criticized for sensationalizing her tale, accepting a position as a stripper, and agreeing to star in the adult film “Octomom Home Alone,” which won an AVN award.

According to Suleman, I was operating on auto-pilot, constantly moving without much thought. At the same time, I lived with a tangible sense of dread and apprehension due to the constant death threats and stalkers.

Suleman explained, “For years, I felt like I was constantly in a ‘fight-or-flight’ mode, but being a fighter, I chose to fight. And I assure you, I won’t ever cease my efforts for my family. I will keep on fighting.

Her preferred tools are a deep-rooted spiritual belief (“I have a strong bond with the divine”) and a balanced lifestyle (she switched to veganism in 2016, with many of her children adopting the same diet), along with fitting exercise into her daily routine whenever possible.

She firmly believes that these decisions had an exceptionally significant impact on maintaining both her mental and physical well-being.

Not to say she wasn’t forced to navigate some low lows. 

She mentioned that there have been far too many difficult moments and challenges to count, but when filming the show “Confessions of Octomom“, she found herself delving into it. She admitted that she was strongly urged to participate, but she didn’t want to because it was painful for her.

From my perspective as a lifestyle guide, I believe that true healing begins when we immerse ourselves in our emotions – the pain, the sorrow, and the discomfort. It’s during these moments of introspection that we can effectively process our feelings and embark on our journey towards healing.

Currently, she spends less time dwelling and more time rejoicing. Some of her recent triumphs include witnessing her reserved kids open up about their genuine experiences.

For the first time ever, my eldest children, particularly my twin sons Elijah and Joshua, will be appearing on camera, as shared by Suleman. I couldn’t be more proud of them.

She felt an immense sense of joy, far beyond the limits of pride, when Joshua and his spouse introduced their newborn daughter, born in August, to the world.

My family and I are incredibly close,” the new grandmother expressed, attributing it to their strong emphasis on transparent and sincere conversations.

While Suleman isn’t one to boast about her survival skills, she expressed, “I’m taking a moment to consider all that’s going on, and I’m incredibly thankful.” She went on to describe her feelings as sheer gratitude.

Which is why she’s so eager to pay it forward. 

Over the past 15 years, I’ve kept myself hidden from the limelight, but now it’s time for me to reveal my extraordinary journey to the world.

Suleman emphasized that his story is about endurance, triumph, and survival against all odds. If he managed to emerge stronger and more resilient, still standing tall, then perhaps his experience might inspire other women who feel they cannot surmount difficulties to persevere.

Catch up on her journey so far by checking out some of her family’s sweetest photos. 

6 months have flown by already with our precious little one! My dear son Joshua’s bundle of joy has been a tremendous blessing in all our lives, her radiant smile brings immeasurable joy to my heart. I adore her more than any words can express. Each day we are blessed to witness her growth and prosperity, truly a privilege! Following the sentiments of Love You Forever, I will cherish her forever, love her for always, as long as I am alive; my grandchild, you’ll be mine.

Natalie expressed her gratitude to Noah, Nariyah, Jonah, and Isaiah for their diligent efforts and commitment in the kitchen during Thanksgiving 2024. In a post on Instagram, she praised their plant-based, whole food dishes that were both compassionate and tasty. She stated that everyone was thankful and blessed.

On Halloween 2024, the mother of 14 reminisced about the past by posting an old photograph from 2015, featuring herself and several of her children all dressed up in their costumes.

In September of 2024, Natalie shared her joy on Instagram, expressing gratitude towards God for bestowing the gift of grandparenthood upon her son Joshua and his wife. She was overjoyed that their newborn daughter would be joining their family, and looked forward to watching her grow. The baby girl was already deeply loved by them, as evidenced by her post which read: “8/30/24 – We are so blessed!

On her 49th birthday in July 2024, as her children beamed for the camera, Mom secretly made a wish. She expressed her gratitude and love for her kids on Instagram, saying, “Thank you so much for making my birthday yesterday so memorable!

On Native American Heritage Day in 2023, Jonah, Nariyah, Noah, and Jeremiah were the masterminds behind our family’s vegan feast. Natalie shared on Instagram: ‘Happy belated Thanksgiving and Happy Native American Heritage Day! A big thank you to these amazing chefs for their tireless efforts in preparing scrumptious dishes for us all. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for your delectable creations! We hope everyone had a peaceful and joyous special occasion with their loved ones!’

Mom took Amerah and Calyssa out for ramen (vegan, of course) in August 2023.

In lieu of 48 candles, the kids brought balloons for their mom’s birthday in July 2023.

Natalie’s eldest daughter Amerah celebrated her 21st birthday in July 2023.

The two enjoyed a mother daughter movie night in July 2023.

Natalie celebrated twins Caleb and Calyssa’s sixteenth birthday with this charming throwback photo. She wrote on Instagram in October 2022, ‘Happy sweet sixteen to my (polar opposites yet identical) twins!’ Calyssa, you have blossomed into a considerate, affectionate, compassionate, intelligent, and gorgeous young woman. I am so proud to call you my daughter. Your writing and artistic talents will take you far, and with your unwavering determination and persistence, you’ll conquer any goal you pursue. I am in awe of your mental fortitude, and feel blessed to be your mom. Caleb, you have become a caring, humorous, intelligent, quick-witted, perceptive, and devoted young man. I count myself fortunate to have you as my son. May God continue to shower you both with blessings in abundance. I love you.

As a lifestyle expert, I would rephrase that statement as follows:

“In August 2022, my remarkable octuplets embarked on the new challenge of eighth grade. I’m incredibly proud of them for consistently demonstrating kindness, respect, and helpfulness towards their peers, teachers, and staff. They truly set an outstanding example for the younger grades. To all the sixth and seventh graders looking up to them, know that my love extends to each one of you.”

Regarding any concerned parties questioning their absence in the back-to-school photo, I wanted to clarify that our older kids chose not to be featured. Just as I honor their decision, I encourage everyone else to do the same. Their privacy is important to us.

The family loves their fur babies too.

Showing off a cat and crafts on the couch.

Maliyah and Nariyah were a coordinated sister act.

The Sulemans are a cat family, so Maliyah took the opportunity to do some dog-sitting.

In celebration of his 21st birthday in 2022, Natalie shared a recently taken uncommon photo of her oldest son, Elijah, on her social media platform.

2022 saw Natalie enjoying a lively Mother’s Day celebration alongside her octuplets and elder daughter Amerah, making the day anything but solitary for her.

In a post on Instagram in January 2021, Natalie expressed joy over the twelfth birthdays of eight exceptionally kind, considerate, and respectful children she knows. She admires their empathy for all creatures and their selfless acts as a reflection of love. They fill her heart with happiness and have significantly enriched her life. She feels privileged to be their mother.

Noah and Jonah got ready to dig in.

The Suleman octuplets enjoyed baked goods on their 14th birthday.

In this old photo that their mother posted, Joshua, temporarily adorned with a facial tattoo, along with his older brother Eli, were preparing for their takeoff.

Looking at this old picture, Natalie mused over the fact that Makai had been like a guardian angel for Aidan since their very first day together.

Getting eight children to line up and smile for a pic sounds like a Christmas miracle to us.

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2025-03-09 13:17