Nadya Suleman, famously known as "Octomom," became a global sensation in 2009 when she gave birth to the first surviving set of octuplets in history. Now, 16 years later, Suleman has traded tabloid fame for a quieter life focused on family, faith, and fitness.

Born on July 11, 1975, in Fullerton, California, Suleman was already a single mother to six children—Amerah, Calyssa, Elijah, Caleb, Joshua, and Aidan—when she delivered octuplets Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Josiah, Makai, Maliyah, and Nariyah on January 26, 2009. Her decision to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) and carry eight embryos to term sparked a media frenzy, making her a polarizing figure almost overnight.

Life in the Spotlight
At the time of her octuplets' birth, Suleman was unemployed and struggling financially. To support her large family, she leaned into the media spotlight, participating in ventures ranging from reality TV to boxing matches and even adult films. Suleman later admitted to The New York Times in 2018 that she felt pressured to adopt the "Octomom" persona, which she described as a "caricature" of her true self.

"I was pretending to be a fake, a caricature, which is something I’m not, and I was doing it out of desperation," Suleman shared. "When you’re pretending to be something you’re not, at least for me, you end up falling on your face."

The constant media attention and public scrutiny took a toll on Suleman’s mental health. She described experiencing PTSD from being hounded by reporters outside her home and said her foray into fame felt like a necessary evil to provide for her children.

A New Chapter
In 2013, Suleman stepped away from the spotlight to protect her family’s privacy and refocus on their well-being. Now 49, she lives in Orange County, California, with her 14 children in a modest three-bedroom townhouse. Despite the limited space, the family has found harmony through shared responsibilities and a deep connection to their faith.

“Our mom [will] finally be able to say her side of the story,” Nariyah, one of Suleman’s octuplets, recently told PEOPLE while discussing their upcoming Lifetime docuseries Confessions of Octomom, set to premiere in March 2025. “She was terrorized and hated for just being a mother. And she had to sacrifice so much just for her children.”

The children, now ranging from teenagers to young adults, play an active role in maintaining the household. They help cook vegan meals, complete chores, and care for their cats, Penelope and Mimi. Suleman also devotes extra attention to her son Aidan, who has disabilities.

Looking Forward
After years of public scrutiny, Suleman is eager to reclaim her narrative. The upcoming docuseries aims to shed light on her journey, showcasing the sacrifices she’s made and the strength she’s found along the way.

With her children growing up and their bond stronger than ever, Suleman says she’s finally found peace in the life she’s built. “I’ve learned that authenticity is more powerful than any caricature,” she reflected. “At the end of the day, being there for my kids is the only role I care about.”