Nadya Suleman and her family are reclaiming their legacy.
The 49-year-old—who was famously dubbed Octomom after she gave birth to the first surviving set of octuplets in 2009—shared why she and her 14 children decided to speak out in an upcoming Lifetime docuseries chronicling their lives.
"The main reasons for me in sharing my true story, my perspective is to help people,” Nadya told People in an interview published Jan. 24. “To help women in particular who are struggling with one child or none, to maybe inspire them to pull out the strengths inside that they didn't know they had to progress forward, to keep progressing in their life."
She added, “Today, my family and I are taking our life back.”
Years after retreating from public life, Nadya wants to let go of the image that the world put on her following her unconventional journey with fame.
"I'm not this compartmentalized caricature," she continued. "I am not Octomom, I'm a mom."
In 2009, Nadya—already a mom of six—became the first person to give birth to a surviving set of octuplets after undergoing IVF treatment.
But now, she and her kids—including almost-16-year-olds Noah, Josiah, Nariyah, Maliyah, Jonah, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Makai—are setting the record straight about what their lives are really like.
“My kids are going to share for the first time,” Nadya—who is also the mother of adult children Ameerah, Calyssa, Elijah, Caleb, Joshua and Aidan—told People. “Also, my older kids are speaking in the public eye and they did not want to. And actually, I didn't even want [to speak out] to be honest."
"I've been saying, I want to keep them safe and protect my kids, and well, they're older now," she continued. "They're turning 16 and making the decision to really do this."
I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story which will be narrated by Nadya and starring Kristen Lee Gutoskie, premieres March 8 on Lifetime with the six-part docuseries, Confessions of Octomom debuting two days later on March 10.
Keep reading to look back on Nadya’s life with her children…
50th Birthday
Natalie "Nadya" Suleman—who earned the nickname Octomom in 2009 after giving birth to octuplets Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Makai, Josiah, Jeremiah, Jonah—celebrated her 50th birthday in July 2025 with her eight youngest kids.
She noted on Instagram at the time that her eldest six kids Elijah, Amerah, Joshua, Aidan, Caleb and Calyssa were "not in the photo per usual" to maintain their privacy.
Making Memories
Natalie celebrated her first grandchild turning six months old with some sweet photos.
"I can’t believe our little angel is already 6 months old!" she wrote on Instagram in March 2025 alongside pictures of the little one, who is the daughter of her son Joshua. "You have been one of the greatest blessings in all of our lives. Your beautiful, sweet smile fills my heart immeasurably. I love you more than words could express. We are all so grateful to watch you grow and thrive every single day!"
Borrowing the words from the children's book Love You Forever, Natalie added, "I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always As long as I’m living My grand-baby you’ll be."
Happy Thanksgiving
Natalie thanked her children Noah, Nariyah, Jonah, and Isaiah for their "hard work and dedication in the kitchen" for Thanksgiving 2024.
"Your healthy plant based, whole food, nutrient dense creations are compassionate and delicious!" she wrote on Instagram at the time. "We are all grateful and blessed."
Halloween Fun
The mom of 14 marked Halloween 2024 by sharing a throwback photo of her and some of her kids dressed up in their costumes in 2015.
Becoming a Grandma
In September 2024, Natalie announced that she'd become a grandma.
"Thank you God for blessing my son Joshua and lovely daughter in law with this beautiful gift!" she wrote on Instagram. "We are so grateful she is a new addition to our family! Baby girl you are so very loved and we can’t wait to watch you grow!! 8/30/24."
Surrounded by Love
While her kids smiled for the camera, Mom snuck in a wish on her 49th birthday in July 2024.
"Thank you kids for making my birthday yesterday so special!" she wrote on Instagram. "I love you all."
Compliments to the Chefs
Jonah, Nariyah, Noah and Jeremiah were in charge of the family's vegan feast on Native American Heritage Day in 2023.
"Happy belated Thanksgiving and Happy Native American Heritage Day!" Natalie wrote on Instagram in November 2023. "Thank you to the head chefs Jonah, Nariyah, Noah, and Jeremiah, who worked relentlessly cooking delicious meals for the family. You are loved and appreciated, and deserved those two overflowing plates of your creations! Hope all our kind supporters had a safe and blessed special time with loved ones!"
Girls Night Out
Mom took Amerah and Calyssa out for ramen (vegan, of course) in August 2023.
Birthday Bliss
In lieu of 48 candles, the kids brought balloons for their mom's birthday in July 2023.
Young Queen
Natalie's eldest daughter Amerah celebrated her 21st birthday in July 2023.
Dynamic Duo
The two enjoyed a mother daughter movie night in July 2023.
We've Got Each Other
Natalie marked twins Caleb and Calyssa's sweet 16 with this adorable throwback pic.
"Happy sweet 16th birthday to my, (couldn’t be more polar opposite), twins Caleb and Calyssa!" she wrote on Instagram in October 2022. "Calyssa, you have grown into a kind, loving, compassionate (towards all living things), intelligent, beautiful young lady. Words cannot describe how proud I am to call you my daughter. You are a talented writer and artist, and will achieve any goal you set for yourself, as long as you never give up. I admire your mental strength, determination, and perseverance, and am blessed to be your mom. Caleb, you have grown into a loving, caring, highly intelligent, comedic, quick witted, perceptive, and devoted young man. I am blessed to have you as a son. May God continue to bless you both abundantly. I love you."
First Day of School
In August 2022, Natalie celebrated her octuplets starting eighth grade.
"Be proud of yourselves kids for being kind, respectful, and helpful to all your fellow peers, teachers and staff," she wrote on Instagram alongside their first day of school photo. "You are exceptional role models to the 6th and 7th graders. I love you."
And to any "critics" wondering about why her older kids weren't in the snap, Natalie made it clear "their older siblings did not want me to post a picture on their first day. I respect their choice, so should you."
Beloved Cats
The family loves their fur babies too.
Look What I Made
Showing off a cat and crafts on the couch.
Twinning!
Maliyah and Nariyah were a coordinated sister act.
Fur Baby Bonding
The Sulemans are a cat family, so Maliyah took the opportunity to do some dog-sitting.
Man of the House
Natalie snuck a rare recent pic of eldest son Elijah onto her feed in honor of his 21st birthday in 2022.
Every Day is Mother's Day
Mother's Day is never lonely for Natalie, here celebrating with her octuplets and their big sister Amerah in 2022.
12th Birthday
"Happy 12th birthday to 8 of the most kind, caring, and respectful kids I have ever known," Natalie wrote to her octuplets on Instagram in January 2021. "Your compassion for all living things and the value of humbly serving others is the definition of love. You make my heart full, and have blessed our lives abundantly. I am honored to be your mother."
Brotherly Love
Noah and Jonah got ready to dig in.
14 and Counting
The Suleman octuplets enjoyed baked goods on their 14th birthday.
Throwback Photos
Joshua, sporting the temporary face tat, and big brother Eli were about to take flight in this throwback pic their mom shared.
Loving Siblings
In this throwback photo, Natalie reflected on how "Makai has always been Aidan’s guardian angel, looking out for him from day one."
Santa's Helpers
Getting eight children to line up and smile for a pic sounds like a Christmas miracle to us.