In 2009, Nadia Suleman’s name spread all over the world: after IVF, she gave birth to eight children at once, becoming the mother of 14 babies at the same time. Society was torn between admiration and condemnation, and the media quickly dubbed the woman an “Octomama.” Then it seemed that this story would forever remain a symbol of shock and scandal.
16 years have passed, and Nadia’s life has changed beyond recognition. Today she is 49, she has long disappeared from public life and lives with her children in a modest townhouse in California. No luxury: a minimum of things, strict order and an emphasis on discipline, independence and family cohesion.
All the children, including the eight-year-olds, are already teenagers. Their days are scheduled by the minute: morning exercises, home schooling, housework, dinners and conversations together. Gadgets are strictly timed, social media is under control, and the family’s diet is predominantly vegan.
Recently, two important events happened in Nadia’s life at once: she became a grandmother — her son Joshua became a father, and also celebrated the 20th anniversary of her eldest son Aidan, who suffers from severe autism. The story, which began as a high-profile scandal, has now turned into a quiet but powerful chronicle of motherhood, survival and complete dedication.
