Octomom Reflects on Motherhood Before Lifetime Specials

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Natalie “Nadya” Suleman, famously known as Octomom, is preparing to re-enter the public eye with a new Lifetime film and docuseries, set to premiere on March 8 and 10, respectively. It has been over a decade since she drew international attention for giving birth to the world’s first surviving octuplets in 2009, a feat that led to her initial fame and later infamy.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Suleman discusses her remarkable journey as a mother of 14, reflecting on the challenges she’s faced and the lessons she’s learned. “Natalie Suleman is just a mom of many, and she is very, very grateful,” she said while surrounded by most of her children. “We are a loving family and we’re there for each other.”

Suleman’s motivations for having a large family are deeply rooted in her childhood experiences. “I wasn’t happy as an only child, and I projected my dream onto my kids,” she explained. Initially wanting seven children, she acknowledged, “I may have possibly overachieved with kids. I didn’t intend on having this many.”

Her journey into motherhood began with multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF) under the care of Dr. Michael Kamrava, who notably implanted 12 embryos in her during her last pregnancy. The birth of the octuplets sparked criticism and legal repercussions for both Suleman and Kamrava, leading to his eventual loss of medical license.

Looking back, Suleman admitted to some regrets regarding her decisions. “I don’t think I’d do too much differently,” she noted, “but I do regret not suing the infertility doctor.” This regret stems from her belief that a legal case could have helped alleviate the financial burdens she has faced as a single mother.

Despite her financial struggles, Suleman worked diligently to support her family and provide a nurturing environment for her children. “I regret that I kind of threw myself under the bus to cover for him, but I was grateful,” she said, acknowledging that Kamrava’s techniques allowed her to have her children.

One of the pivotal concerns in her journey has been maintaining their privacy. Suleman has sought to shield her children from the media, even stating, “I sued the hospital because they breached HIPAA. They’re the reason why I ended up in the public eye.”

The upcoming Lifetime specials, titled “I Was Octomom” and “Confessions of Octomom,” will allow Suleman to share a closer look at her life and her diverse family life over the years, which she describes as often chaotic yet filled with love. Her children, including her octuplets, are also portrayed as grounded individuals with strong values.

With a commitment to their well-being, Suleman has crafted a structured parenting style for her large family. “I personally believe I failed as a parent to implement all of the knowledge I acquired in college,” she admitted about her older kids, revealing her strategies have shifted with her younger ones. She emphasized the importance of instilling discipline alongside unconditional love.

Suleman has also adopted a vegan lifestyle for her family, promoting healthy eating habits. “We save money because we don’t buy animal products,” she said, highlighting their ethical motivations for transitioning to veganism.

As her octuplets approach adulthood, discussions around future aspirations, such as driving and work, have begun. “I’m excited to be able to make money so that we can help Mom,” said one of the octuplets, embodying the values of responsibility and gratitude that Suleman has instilled in them.

As the premieres of her documentaries approach, Suleman looks to share her story and the evolution of her family dynamic, reflecting her journey from a controversial media figure to a devoted mother focused on her children’s well-being.