Natalie ‘Nadya’ Suleman, popularly known as Octomom, recently shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that she remains single at the age of 49. The mother of 14 children expressed that she sees no reason to enter the dating scene now, stating, “If I never dated before I had any kids, why would I start now?” Suleman offers a deeper look into her personal life in an upcoming docuseries titled Confessions of Octomom, where she delves into topics she has never discussed before, shedding light on her motivations for embracing single motherhood.
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Suleman rose to fame in 2009 when she gave birth to octuplets after being implanted with 12 embryos by Dr. Michael Kamrava, a fertility specialist in Beverly Hills. Despite this remarkable feat, she faced criticism for her decision to pursue IVF treatments repeatedly as a single mother. Prior to this, Suleman was married to Marcos Gutierrez, from whom she separated in 2000 and later divorced in 2006. Although Gutierrez denied being the biological father of Suleman’s children, the identity of the sperm donor remains undisclosed.
With the release of the docuseries Confessions of Octomom and the Lifetime movie I Was Octomom, scheduled to premiere on March 8 and March 10 respectively, Suleman and her children aim to share their side of the story. Suleman is determined to reclaim her narrative, which she feels was distorted and sensationalized by the media. She expressed, “My family and I are taking our life back… They tried to destroy me, but they didn’t know. No one really knew anything about who we were as a family, who I am as a mother.”
The forthcoming docuseries presents an opportunity for Suleman’s children to speak out for the first time, allowing them to address the misconceptions and judgments they have faced. Suleman’s daughter, Nariyah, aged 15, spoke to PEOPLE, highlighting the unfair treatment her mother received and expressing pride in her mother’s resilience. Suleman herself is eager to portray her true self to the audience, dispelling the image of Octomom and presenting herself as a dedicated mother who seeks to inspire and support other women facing challenges in parenting.
“I’m not this compartmentalized caricature. I am not Octomom, I’m a mom,” Suleman proclaimed, emphasising her desire to offer hope and strength to women navigating the complexities of motherhood. The docuseries and movie represent a fresh perspective on Suleman’s journey, shedding light on new experiences and insights that challenge existing narratives. Suleman’s openness and vulnerability in sharing her truth aim to encourage and empower viewers to discover their inner resilience and keep moving forward in life.
As Suleman prepares to unveil her story through these upcoming projects, it is evident that her focus remains on uplifting and supporting others through her own journey. The exclusive interview with PEOPLE provides a glimpse into the resilience and determination of a woman who has faced intense scrutiny and emerged stronger. Suleman’s narrative serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing true to one’s identity amidst external pressures and judgments.