More than a quarter of a century after they made medical history, the world’s first set of septuplets to all survive infancy are now adults with careers, marriages and children of their own. Born in 1997 after their parents turned to fertility treatment in the hope of having just one more child, the McCaughey septuplets grew up under intense public attention. Today, their lives look quieter, more ordinary, and, by their family’s own account, all the richer for it.
A pregnancy that stunned doctors and the public
When Bobbi McCaughey and Kenny McCaughey, from Carlisle, Iowa, struggled to conceive their first child, they faced years of stress and disappointment. Their daughter, Mikayla McCaughey, was eventually born, but when she was 16 months old, the couple decided to try fertility treatment again in the hope of giving her a sibling. Bobbi was prescribed Metrodin, a drug designed to stimulate the ovaries and encourage ovulation. At a six-week scan, doctors delivered astonishing news: there were seven foetuses. Multiple pregnancies were not unheard of, but doctors warned the McCaugheys of the severe risks involved, including miscarriage, stillbirth and life-threatening complications for both mother and babies. Bobbi continued the pregnancy under close medical supervision, becoming a national figure as her due date approached. By 30 weeks, her abdomen measured around 55 inches, with her bump almost reaching her knees. She would not reach full term.
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On 19 November 1997, Bobbi gave birth prematurely to seven babies: Kenneth Robert, Alexis May, Natalie Sue, Kelsey Ann, Brandon James, Nathan Roy and Joel Steven. All seven survived, making them the first known set of septuplets in the world to do so. Then-US president Bill Clinton phoned the family personally to offer his congratulations. After around three months in hospital, the babies were finally able to go home. Life there was intense. At its peak, the household went through around 42 bottles and up to 70 nappies a day. The family later moved into a seven-bedroom home gifted by the Clark Company, which helped accommodate the extraordinary logistics of raising eight children.
The septuplets all survived their births (Ambassador/Sygma/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Growing up together, and learning to separate
As the kids grew up, some television networks expressed interest in turning their family into a reality show. Bobbi and Kenny, however, were determined to shield their children from the spotlight, wanting them to have as normal a childhood as possible. Life brought other challenges, too: two of the septuplets, Alexis and Nathan, were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The family had to adjust once again, balancing the demands of disability alongside an already extraordinary childhood.
The McCaughey septuplets… then & now/ Image: X
Despite the challenges, the siblings remained close. When they turned 25 in 2022, the family spoke to USA Today about how their relationships had changed as adulthood scattered them across different states. Kelsey, who was living in Missouri at the time, said: “When we are all together, it’s just the best time. Those times are even more sacred now. They are so incredibly sweet with all our significant others and kids.” Bobbi echoed that sentiment, admitting she still cherished the chaos. “I love it when everybody gets back home,” she said. “It doesn’t happen often. It’s crowded and noisy. I love seeing the driveway full of cars and grandkids riding bikes.” Natalie shared one small tradition that has survived from childhood into adulthood. “One thing we do, and it sounds ridiculous,” she said. “We played a song in band, ‘Crazy Cat,’ and all had our parts. On the way home we would sing the sounds of our parts. We do that now when we get together.” The family home has since been donated to Ruth Harbor, a non-profit that supports young mothers. Bobbi and Kenny have moved elsewhere in Iowa, while their children have largely built lives of their own.
Careers, marriages and lives of their own
By their mid-twenties, several of the siblings were married, and there were already children among the eight siblings, including Mikayla. Brandon joined the US Army and was serving as a sergeant in 2022. He married his wife, Alana, and they have a daughter, Ellie. Because of security concerns related to his military career, the family does not publicly disclose where he is based. Kenneth, often known as Kenny, trained as a cabinet maker and was working at Waukee Cabinet Works. Married to his wife, Synthia, he admitted that life after such a crowded childhood could sometimes feel strange. “I tell people that I don’t know how they did it. That would be crazy,” he said of his parents. “When we were first born, they had help, but after that, I never thought how they were able to be sane.”
The McCaugheys became celebrities during pregnancy with the septuplets/ image: Observerbd
Joel and Nathan both graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange University with degrees in computer information systems and went on to work in IT. Joel works at Emerson Electric in Marshalltown, while Nathan is employed at Wellmark in Des Moines.
The McCaughey septuplets graduate from high schoo/ Image: X
Natalie graduated with a degree in exercise science from Hannibal-LaGrange University, met her husband on campus, and later began working as a patient care technician at a local hospital. During the Covid-19 pandemic, her responsibilities expanded significantly. She has since worked towards a master’s degree in athletic training at Culver-Stockton College. Kelsey initially pursued music before switching paths, earning a degree in public relations at Hannibal-LaGrange. She worked in PR, became a campus news station reporter, then moved behind the camera before taking a role as a receptionist at a medical office. Alexis, who also has cerebral palsy, earned a liberal arts degree at Hannibal-LaGrange and now works with children at Altoona Kids World. She has spoken publicly about her pride in her brother Nathan. “Watching him be so independent and live in his own place and drive to work and provide for himself has been really cool to watch,” she said.
‘The best people to describe them’: Mikayla’s words
Their mother, Bobbi, has said the person who captures the septuplets best is their older sister Mikayla. In 2019, Mikayla wrote individual birthday messages to each of her seven younger siblings. Bobbi later shared excerpts, saying they described them perfectly. Of Brandon, Mikayla wrote: “He is the most hardworking and driven person I know. He continues to make himself better and push toward new goals while being funny and giving positive encouragement to those around him.” About Kenneth, she said: “He is hilarious and kind and has a servant’s heart who is always willing to help those who need it. He is always willing to share his snacks without complaining.” On Natalie: “She is gracious and hospitable and always has encouraging things to say.” On Kelsey: “She has reminded me countless times to love one another as Christ does, and she practices what she preaches. She is always willing to share her makeup and clothes.” Of Joel: “It turns out you are pretty funny, Joel. You are so smart and talented and gifted, and I know you will accomplish great things in the future.” On Alexis: “She is sweet to whoever she meets no matter who they are or what they are like. That is a unique and wonderful quality.” And of Nathan: “His laugh will never stop being easy to make fun of, but thanks for being a good sport. He is funny and smart and always willing to help his not-so-tech-savvy family with their tech problems.”
A life that no longer needs headlines
For Bobbi and Kenny, the house is no longer full, but the connection remains. “I love it when everybody gets back home,” Bobbi has said. “It doesn’t happen often.”
For Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey, going from a noisy, full house to a quiet, empty home was no easy transition/ Image: Observerbd
What once drew global attention, the logistics, the miracle of survival, has gradually faded into something more private: a large family, spread out, returning when they can, carrying shared jokes, memories and routines that only make sense to them. More than 25 years on, the McCaughey septuplets are no longer defined by the circumstances of their birth, but by the ordinary, individual lives that followed it.
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