Whatever Happened to Octomom? Catching Up with Natalie Suleman, 16 Years Later (Exclusive)
In January of 2009, Natalie Suleman gave birth to eight children with the help of IVF. Already a mother of six at the time, the now-single mother to 14 became a media spectacle — publicly scrutinized and humiliated, the center of a media circus made her the poster child for fertility treatments spiraling out of control. Struggling to provide for her family, Suleman succumbed to media offers, and eventually became one of the most hated women in the world. Eventually, she removed her family from the toxic environment around her, found a job as a counselor, and privately raised her family.
As the octuplets turn 16 this year, she’s trusted Lifetime with telling her story, her way — starting with the biopic I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story, in which she is portrayed by Kristen Lee Gutoskie (The Handmaid’s Tale). The film debuts Saturday, March 8 on Lifetime, at 8pm EST.
Suleman will also be featured in a six-part documentary series that shares her life today as mom of 14, and her newest role as grandmother. The new series, Confessions of Octomom, which airs Mondays on Lifetime beginning March 10, reveals a side of Suleman and her children’s lives that the world has not been privy to before.
Suleman spoke to ReMIND and answered some of our questions about the new series, the film, and her life today.
Credit: Lifetime
The octuplets are turning 16!!! Wow, that went fast. Congratulations! First, what kind of party is planned for this milestone? Drivers’ licenses coming?
Natalie Suleman: Yes, time flies! I planned a special “staycation” (despite this being a “stresscation” for me!). They all ended up having a memorable and fun new experience staying at a resort in Orange County and were so grateful! In regard to the driving situation, I think we will wait until they turn 18, so it gives them enough time to practice (and me time to mentally prepare!).
We really haven’t heard much about you or your family since CelebriDate in 2011. What prompted you to exit the media limelight then?
The reason the media and public have not heard much about my family and I is because I chose to protect my children from the toxic environment and opportunistic people that enshrouded us and I took our lives back; returned to my roots, and secured a job as a counselor, to provide for my family. I am so grateful for my educational background and work experience in the mental health field which allowed me this blessed opportunity.
Credit: Lifetime
What did it take for you to agree for cameras to re-enter your life, after so much negativity, and put the spotlight back on you and your family?
I’ve never in my life wanted to be in the public eye or be “relevant,” for that matter; nor have I ever considered myself a “celebrity.” After birthing the octuplets, we were thrust into the public eye, without permission and being unprepared. This was not part of my plan as I was completing graduate school at the time and already researching PhD programs. I had absolutely no voice, and experienced severe trauma as a repercussion of becoming the target of misplaced hate by millions of people around the world.
Now, my family and I, together, have made the decision to take our lives back, and for the first time, have a voice. I personally have chosen to take the vehicle that tried to destroy me and turn it into my source of power. I am not an “octomom.” I am a mom. My kids and I have defied every single odd against us. We are survivors, and I believe my story will inspire many other women to remain resilient and press on, despite any given circumstance.
You are a single mother raising 14 kids – how did you get by?
I am a single mom who has raised 14 kind, humble, grounded, grateful children, who all have a strong relationship with and connection to God. I did whatever I needed to do to provide for my children; from interviews, to international specials and documentaries, to violating my integrity. I am proud to have worked for several years, helping people struggling with addiction, after leaving the public eye (from 2013-2018), as a substance abuse counselor. I have also been writing a manuscript since graduate school (starting nearly 20 years ago), which I hope and pray to publish soon.
Credit: Lifetime
Give us a taste of what “everyday life” is like for you now.
Everyday life is more mentally and physically demanding today than when my octuplets were young. I have a severely disabled, profoundly autistic, nonverbal adult child I care for, and have been his sole caregiver since birth. His name is Aidan, and he requires around-the-clock care. My octuplets are very responsible, busy with school and household chores, and love to workout at the gym (my source of mental and physical survival). My oldest children (aged 18-23) work full time, and some take classes in college. One of my older sons, Joshua, who is 21, is married and had his first child last year. I am now a grandma and feel blessed beyond measure!
We understand Kristen Gutoskie is playing you in the movie – have you two met? What was important for you to communicate with her about playing you?
Yes, a talented actress named Kristen Gutoskie plays me in the movie I Was Octomom. Although I have not had an opportunity to meet Kristen, I am so grateful she was the one chosen. She shared the sweetest, most kindhearted words with me regarding my story, resonating with my struggles and triumphs as a fellow mom. I am also thrilled to be narrating the movie and giving new insights into my history.
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