Incredible Triumphs and Unforeseen Struggles: Octomom Nadya Suleman Reveals Jaw-Dropping Journey Amidst Painful Challenges

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Nadya Suleman, who was dubbed “Octomom” after welcoming octuplets in 2009, is sharing rare insight into how the multiple pregnancy affected her health.

The 47-year-old California native took to Instagram on June 28 to share photos and a video of her workout at the gym. In the caption, she explained that after giving birth to octuplets, she has made weight training a top priority to maintain her strength and mobility. Suleman revealed that as a result of her pregnancy, she suffered from three additional herniated discs, bilateral sciatica, a damaged sacrum, peripheral neuropathy, and a torn abdominal cavity. These disabilities would leave her incapacitated if she were to live a sedentary lifestyle.

The mother of 14 children stated that being more active leads to less pain for her. She explained that going without weight training for several days worsens her already excruciating back pain and limits her mobility.

In addition to her 14-year-old octuplets Noah, Josiah, Nariyah, Maliyah, Jonah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Makai, who were conceived through in vitro fertilization, Suleman is also the mother of 16-year-old twins Calyssa and Caleb, 17-year-old Aidan, 19-year-old Joshua, 20-year-old Ameerah, and 22-year-old Elijah. She mentioned in her Instagram post that her children have also embraced an active lifestyle.

Courtesy of Nadya Suleman/Instagram

"My three eldest children prioritize weight training, lifting far more than me and doing it more frequently. Interestingly, my oldest son Eli, who has consistently trained for three years, has achieved more than I have in 30 years and takes pleasure in teasing me at the gym lol," she wrote.

Suleman's octuplets, the first in history to survive infancy, recently turned 14 years old. In an Instagram birthday tribute, their proud mom described them as loving, thoughtful, conscientious, and humble individuals. She acknowledged the struggles they have faced together, which have only strengthened their bond. Looking ahead, she expressed her hope for their continued growth as a family by facing new challenges. The mother feels incredibly blessed to be their mother and expressed her deep love for them.

Suleman, in addition to discussing the impact of welcoming octuplets on her body and fitness routine, previously disclosed to The New York Times that she has been open with her children about her 2012 rehabilitation for alcohol and Xanax addiction, as well as the release of her sex tape that same year, titled Octomom Home Alone.

"We have conversations about everything," she shared with the publication in December 2018. "They experienced it alongside me. It was a tremendous relief for all of us when I rediscovered who I truly am. Though we faced financial struggles, it was a true blessing to break free from those burdens. They were like chains."