Natalie “Octomom” Suleman became a global sensation in 2009 when she made history by giving birth to the first surviving octuplets. Already a mother of six—Amerah, Calyssa, Elijah, Caleb, Joshua, and Aidan—Suleman’s family grew to an incredible 14 children with the addition of Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, Makai, Maliyah, and Nariyah.

Her remarkable story, however, has been accompanied by controversy. Suleman underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for all her pregnancies, with Dr. Michael Kamrava overseeing the procedures. In 2008, Kamrava implanted 12 embryos into Suleman. Eight of those embryos developed into live births.

Suleman later claimed she had not agreed to such a large number, alleging Kamrava misled her while she was medicated.

Kamrava denied this, maintaining that he acted on her wishes. Regardless, the California state medical board revoked Kamrava’s license in 2011, citing “gross negligence”, according to Reuters.

Suleman’s fame led to an unconventional career path as she struggled to support her large family. At various times, she worked as a stripper, appeared in an adult film, and took part in boxing matches.

In addition, she posed for a PETA campaign encouraging spaying and neutering animals. Financial hardships persisted, leading Suleman to file for bankruptcy in 2012, citing $1 million in debt, per PEOPLE.

In 2014, her troubles deepened when she was charged with welfare fraud for failing to report $26,000 of income. Suleman pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor, receiving probation, community service, and a mandate to repay the unreported funds.

Despite these struggles, Suleman has since stepped away from the spotlight, choosing a quieter life. In 2018, she revealed she was working full-time as a counselor, occasionally participating in international photoshoots to make ends meet. Public assistance has also helped her support her family.

Suleman has openly discussed her past with her children, emphasizing how leaving fame behind allowed them to rebuild a more stable and authentic life.

Her octuplets celebrated their 16th birthday on January 26, 2025. Suleman shared her pride on Instagram, writing, “Happy Sweet 16th birthday to Noah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Maliyah, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jonah, and Makai! You are loved, valued, and appreciated more than words can express!”

“I am so blessed to have you all in my life, and excited and grateful for the journey we are about to embark. God has loved and protected you all for the past 16 years, and has great plans for each and every one of you! I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my babies you’ll be,” she continued.

Now living a quieter existence, Suleman is focused on raising her family, grateful for their love and the lessons learned from her turbulent journey.