This incredible 39-year-old woman has given birth 44 times and has 38 children living under one roof…

Mariam Nabatanzi, from Uganda, is a super mum and a true survivor. At the age of just 13, she was married to a man 27 years her senior, not even realising that she was married until she was left at his house. Just a year later she was pregnant.

A Hard Journey

Mariam’s first babies were a set of twins, followed by a set of triplets the next year, and later, quadruplets. Married life wasn’t easy as her husband had many children from previous relationships that Mariam took care of as their mothers lived far away.

“He was also violent and would beat me at any opportunity he got, even when I suggested an idea that he didn’t like,” she said. After having a jaw-dropping 23 children, Mariam decided she wanted to prevent the possibility of further pregnancy and asked her doctors for assistance. They informed her that she had an incredibly high ovary count and that the procedure would put her health in great danger brightside.me reports.

No Regrets

In total, Mariam gave birth to 44 children (yep, that’s 44), including 6 twins, 4 sets of triplets, 3 sets of quadruplets and only two children born without a “copy.” There were also 6 additional children who passed away. Despite it all, Mariam says she has no regrets. She only wishes that her children’s father had been a greater presence in their life – her eldest son hasn’t seen his father in ten years as he abandoned them after years of disappearing for weeks or months at a time. But Mariam more than makes up for it. She’s dedicated her entire life to her children, providing for them and putting them all through school. “I hope my children will go to school because they all have big ambitions of being doctors, teachers and lawyers. I want them to achieve these dreams, something I was not able to do.” We’re not crying, you’re crying.

A Message For Parents

BBC journalist Kassim Kayira is the person responsible for sharing Mariam’s story with the world. It is thanks to him that Mariam has been able to spread a deeply personal message to the parents in her culture. “Stop selling your daughters to men for early marriages. They suffer too much, and the loss of parental love is something they can never fully recover from.”

You are an inspiration to all mothers Mariam. We salute you.

What do you think of Mariam’s incredible story? Let us know in the comments. 

Top photo from © Kassim Kayira / facebook