'Octomom' Nadya Suleman shares health update 14 years after giving birth to octuplets: 'Near immobility'
By Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh |
Nadya Suleman's pregnancy and birth captivated the world in 2009. And now the mum-of-14 is sharing more about the physical impact the octuplets had on her body.
"As a repercussion of the pregnancy, I sustained three herniated discs, bilateral sciatica, damaged sacrum and peripheral neuropathy," Suleman explained in a lengthy Instagram post to her 250,000 followers.
Suleman, also known as 'Octomom', revealed ?the only way to maintain her strength and mobility since the birth is her rigorous weight training routine.
"The more active I am, the less pain I experience," she revealed.
READ MORE: What's it like giving birth at different ages and stages
It's been 14 years since she gave birth to ?octuplets and Suleman says the difficult pregnancy took a major toll on her body.
"Several days without weight training exacerbates my already excruciating back pain and near immobility," she shared.
The mum also ?revealed that her weight training and exercise habits have helped her stay "mentally sane" over the past few years juggling 14 kids and a busy lifestyle.
"I've been asked for years how I stay physically strong and healthy, in spite of my stressful, busy lifestyle with such a big family. Lifting weights has been my method of constructively channeling stress."
READ MORE: Common mistake parents make when buying kids' shoes
The mum is incredibly dedicated to her fitness as it allows her to control the pain she still experiences from her pregnancy and birth.
"I strength train three to four days per week, plus one hour of cardio four to five days per week?," she shared.
And it seems her ?dedication is rubbing off on her kids.
"My oldest three weight train - far heavier than I, and more frequently. Ironically, my oldest son Eli, who has been training consistently for three years, has surpassed what I've achieved in 3 and loves mocking me at the gym lol," she joked on the post.
Alongside the 14-year-old octuplets, ?Suleman is also mum to Elijah, 22, Amerah, 20, Joshua, 19, and twins Calyssa and Caleb, 16.
READ MORE: Save $115 on a PlayStation 5 in EOFY deal
And although it seems impossible, the mum says finding time to focus on herself and her physical health is important.
Something she encourages all parents to do.
"?Do not feel guilty for taking time to renew and recharge," she wrote. "Your family will benefit immensely when you take care of your mind and body, as you will have more positive energy to give."
After opening up about her journey to followers, Suleman was met with ?praise from fellow mums and dads for sharing such an important message.
"Amazing! Keep it up! That is loving yourself and your kids!" one person commented.
Another said, "Such an amazing example for your children! You look amazing hard work pays? off."
?For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here
