I've been pregnant for 17 years with no ‘breaks' since 25 – people say I'm addicted and it's ‘abuse' but it gets easier
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A MUM has revealed she's been pregnant almost non-stop for 17 years.
While critics call it 'abuse' and accuse her of using her kids for content, she says she's never been happier and that it gets easier with each one.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Karissa has been pregnant for the last 17 years
Credit: Tiktok/ @Thecollinskids
2
She promotes motherhood on Tiktok
Credit: Tiktok/ @thecollinskids
Karissa Collins, 42, from the US, has gone viral on TikTok after sharing that she's been pregnant 15 times since the age of 25 and has barely had a break from baby bumps in nearly two decades.
The super mum, who shares her life with 11 children on her account @TheCollinsKids, stunned fans in May when she announced yet another pregnancy, calling it 'the best Mother's Day surprise.'
Karissa and her husband, who've been married for 18 years, welcomed their first child back in their mid-20s and haven't looked back since.
Karissa first became a mum at the age of 25, and has subsequently been pregnant when she was 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39 and 40.
She's also suffered three miscarriages in between.
Now, with over 700,000 followers tuning in for a glimpse into her busy, bustling household, Karissa is unapologetic about her life choices and even encourages other women to take the leap into big family life.
She said: 'It's not that scary. I promise you will figure it out. And it honestly gets easier. You don't have to keep your hands to yourself! Have all the babies and live with no regrets.'
But while many cheer her on from the side-lines, Karissa also faces brutal backlash from trolls who claim her lifestyle is harmful, not just to her, but to her kids.
One commenter raged: 'This is not okay – you barely have enough time for each child to get your attention. It's not even funny anymore, I feel bad for the kids.'
Another slammed: 'You're hurting your kids by continuing to take attention away from them. No human can give the same amount of love to 12 different kids unless they never sleep.'
Others accused the couple of only having children for content, saying the older kids must be doing the bulk of the work around the house.
Still, Karissa isn't fazed. For her, motherhood isn't just a lifestyle, it's a calling.
Catherine Tyldesley admits she won't speak to kids for 'three days' when in 'work mode' on set
The mum-of-11 said she doesn't read cruel comments on blogs or social media about her family.
She claims her page is for " mamas that want to seek God and raise families for him."
Karissa proudly describes herself as 'Yahuah's servant, Christ follower, wife, and home schooler.'
She regularly posts about Christian family values and encourages others to trust God with their family planning.
Despite the hate, many followers are quick to defend her and her kids.
One fan wrote: 'Why do people online think they are entitled to judge someone's family? These kids look well cared for and happy. If they want a big family and can afford it – that's their choice.'
Another said: 'Those kids are clean and smiling! She's living her best life. Her husband clearly loves her and provides – there is no problem here.'
And Karissa seems to agree.
In her eyes, every new child is a blessing and the more she has, the more confident she becomes.
'Have all the babies,' she tells her followers. 'Live with no regrets.'
She previously hit back at people who say her kids must have come from four different dads.
Karissa insists she's never even kissed anyone other than Mandrae, who she married in 2007.
The mum said: 'Nope just one dad here! 'Yes they're all ours. All 12 of them!
As well as not dating anyone else, Karissa said she's never smoked, drank alcohol, sworn, drank coffee, or had a C-section with her babies.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Spectator
2 hours ago
- Spectator
How ice cream got cool
In the depths of winter last year, an ice cream and wine bar opened in Islington. The Dreamery serves ice creams and sorbets in silver goblets with tiny vintage spoons. On the ceiling is a glowing mural of happy cows and a sun with a face, resembling a child's finger-painting (the artist is Lucy Stein, daughter of Rick). Outside, neighbours whisper about a recent Dua Lipa spotting. The Dreamery is inspired by the Parisian ice cream and wine bar Folderol, and makes fairly sophisticated flavours such as salted ricotta blueberry and Greek mountain tea. It is TikTok chic – a gamble, after Folderol unwillingly became a viral sensation and ended up sticking up signs saying: 'No TikTok. Be here to have fun, not to take pictures.' Ice cream shops in Britain are not a novel idea, but establishing one is still a brave and perhaps foolhardy endeavour. Ice cream weather (it can be quantified – ice cream doesn't melt properly on the tongue in temperatures below about 14°C) lasts half of the year if we're lucky, and most of us only crave it during the hottest days of high summer. Even if it's reasonably warm, there is often still the wind and rain to spoil things. Yet the British demand for ice cream seems to be growing – and not just during a heatwave. You might have noticed the glut of parlours cropping up on high streets: the ubiquitous Creams, Kaspa's, tourist-packed Amorino, the dubious American imports of Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery. In the past decade, 700 ice cream and dessert shops have opened up across the UK. Some do simple scoops, others paddle silky heaps of Italian gelato, and many more serve those made-for-Instagram monstrosities drowned in chocolate 'drizzle'. I wouldn't be surprised if social media, which seems to have become the driver of most of our consumer desires, has played a large part in whetting our appetites for ice cream. Nearly 50 million posts tagged #icecream can be found on Instagram. Some cooks-slash-influencers – such as Mei Liao, who films herself making Sichuan-inspired flavours in a £60 Cuisinart churner – receive more than a million views on their videos. Many are keen to let you in on the secrets of their 'two-ingredient ice cream' – simple but for the fact that there are more than two ingredients and you need a highly specialised piece of equipment to make it. But this is immaterial. What matters is that by attempting to replicate their recipes, you too can get in touch with your inner domestic goddess (or god). This is much easier to do now that you can find reasonably affordable, if impractical, ice cream machines in most major retailers. The Ninja CREAMi, which has a revolting name and seems primarily used for making frozen low-calorie protein shakes, was released in 2021 and sells for around £200. It doesn't technically make ice cream in the traditional sense, as it only blends frozen ingredients rather than whipping air into them, but let's not be pedantic about it. Farah Kezouh, half of the team behind London-based Soft and Swirly, tells me that what is ripe and in season, not what is going to 'go viral', dictates the flavours she and her partner Sam Lowry make. 'It just happens that ice cream is very Instagrammable, especially when it comes out of the soft serve machine,' she says. 'Influencers are looking for the next trend, and ice cream might be that at the moment. I'm not sure if that's going to last, but it's definitely good that people are trying to create ice creams that are not just your industrial ones.' Deep down, perhaps the hype around ice cream is all just part of the quest to return to the comfort and safety of childhood. Farah says she sees a 'childlike joy' in her customers, no matter their age. Ice cream is often tied to our most treasured memories of childhood: summer holidays by the sea, or the excitement of hearing the jingle of the ice cream van. For many, it's a recollection of the first instance where we experienced the weight and glorious freedom of choice: vanilla, or chocolate? How to make Sicilian-style ice cream There are two popular ways of making ice cream: Philadelphia-style, which consists of a dairy and sugar base, and French-style, which consists of a custard base with eggs, dairy and sugar. On the opposite side of the richness-spectrum you have sherbets, sorbets and granitas. But is that all? Actually, there is a middle way: Sicilian-style ice cream. Italians are notoriously neurotic about their digestive systems – hence no cappuccinos after 11 a.m., no iced drinks, aperitivo before dinner and digestivo after, the passeggiata. Sicilian-style substitutes cornstarch for egg yolks and some of the cream, which are apparently bad for digestion. This method results in a refreshing, light 'milk ice' that takes very little time (and leaves no leftover egg whites). The reduced amount of cream lets delicate flavours really shine through without having to jostle with the dairy or eggs. I like to flavour mine with fig leaves, which smell like English summer but more precisely of toasted coconut, vanilla and a bitter note of something like green peppers. There is a magnificent fig tree in St James's Park which lately has been especially fragrant during my lunchtime walks. If you cannot find fig leaves, I recommend fresh mint or fresh or dry bay leaves which can be obtained from most supermarkets. This recipe can be made without a machine (see step 9*) and is remarkably easy – I learned it from Kitty Travers of La Grotta Ices in her intro to ice cream-making course at the School of Artisan Food. Fig leaf ice cream You will need: 500ml whole milk 150ml double cream 130g + 30g granulated sugar 15g cornstarch 2 large fig leaves Prepare a large bowl of ice water, or alternatively fill your sink with ice water. This will be used to cool down the ice cream base, so make sure it is large enough for a pot to half-submerge in. Whisk the 30g sugar and 15g cornstarch in a large bowl and set aside. Combine the milk, cream and remaining sugar in a pot, preferably one with a slight lip. Warm over a low heat, stirring often, until the milk begins to steam. Remove the pot from the stove and pour the hot liquid into the bowl of sugar and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture as you pour to prevent the cornstarch from clumping. When the mixture is fully combined, pour it back into the pot and return to the heat until it begins to thicken. Put the bowl to the side and place a sieve over it. Once thickened, add the fig leaves to the mixture, turn off the heat and place the pot into your bowl or sink of ice water for three minutes. After three minutes, pour the mixture through the sieve covering the other bowl. Squeeze the fig leaves over the mixture to get as much flavour out as you can, then discard. Put the bowl into the ice water and stir often to cool it down faster. Once at room temperature, put it into a clean container (or cover the bowl with plastic wrap) and place it in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavour to 'age' and also improves texture when it comes time to churn. In the morning (my preference – ice cream and espresso are lovely together) churn according to your machine's instructions. It should take about 25 minutes to come together and will be quite light and whippy. * If you don't have an ice cream machine, simply place the mixture into a well-sealed plastic bag and place that into a large plastic bag filled with 100g rock salt and 800g ice. Knead the bags against a stable surface for about five minutes and with a bit of sweat, you'll have perfectly good ice cream. Place into tubs and freeze for at least two hours to get a 'scoopable' consistency. But remember that ice cream is never so good as when it's freshly churned. This recipe makes enough for one pint and a bit – enjoy the 'bit' straight away. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll scoop this into a champagne coupe and pour a bit of lemonade over it. When using bay leaves, I like to use about five or six large dried ones. These can be steeped for a bit longer, usually five minutes, and add a pinch or two of salt to really bring out the savouriness of the leaves. For mint, steep 20g for about 15 minutes. I like to add more chopped mint just as the ice cream is about to come together in the churner. You can also drizzle a thin stream of melted dark chocolate over the ice cream at this point to make it a mint stracciatella.
BBC News
6 hours ago
- BBC News
TikTok creator warns of disinformation after death hoax video
A TikTok creator has urged social media users to be more aware of disinformation after a video claiming she was dead was watched 650,000 Wolstenholme, 22, has gained 1.3 million followers since 2021 for her videos which talk about living with cerebral of her most popular videos was used without her permission by an account appearing to sell pillows, and was captioned: "I lost my autistic sister today so I bought this pillow to imitate cuddling her."TikTok confirmed the video had been removed for violating its community guidelines. Despite numerous attempts, the BBC has been unable to contact the user who shared the video. "There's a lot of bad people on social media, so you do need to check the facts," said Ms Wolstenholme, who splits her time between Essex and original video, posted in 2021, has been liked 5.2 million times and shows her throwing a punch and falling over in a gym class while working with a personal trainer. Ms Wolstenholme said she became aware of its reuse in the death hoax, uploaded in May, when someone she knows contacted her mum to pass on their condolences. Ms Wolstenholme had been keeping a low profile online because she had been unwell for about three months, which she said made the hoax appear genuine."People were commenting saying 'rest in peace, Grace. I love you'. People were severely devastated hearing I was dead." She said she had lost thousands of followers and seen a drop in views because of people assuming she was dead, which had reduced her rewards its most popular creators by paying them based on video views and engagements. Ms Wolstenholme said she was also frustrated by further disinformation."My disability isn't autism, it's cerebral palsy. So he got my disability wrong, and said I was dead," she Wolstenholme said the fake video was taken off TikTok after she contacted someone on Instagram who had the same it was reposted on TikTok days later and the user sent a series of offensive messages to Ms removed the video after it was contacted by the BBC, and said it had violated its community did not comment on Ms Wolstenholme's concerns around the sharing of disinformation on the platform. 'Triggering' Ms Wolstenholme said her followers were "deeply disgusted" by what had happened."It's triggering for my followers to see because some of my followers suffer with their mental health," she said.A second video appearing to mock Ms Wolstenholme's disability was posted by the same TikTok TikTok and Instagram accounts and their associated website are no longer name of the business was not that of any limited company registered at Companies House and the VAT number it displayed was not associated with any UK BBC called and emailed the shop using contact details found on its website but did not get a response, and unsuccessfully messaged the TikTok account and another profile which appeared to match the person in the Wolstenholme reported the harassment to the Metropolitan Police, which confirmed it was exploring "several lines of inquiry".A police spokeswoman said: "The victim continues to be supported by officers. At this stage no arrests have been made." If you are affected by any of the issues in this story, details of help and support are available at BBC Action Line Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horoscope today, July 14, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up ♈ ARIES March 21 to April 20 Saturn's path stirs some challenges as it affects your sign directly. But these can be chances to take stock and reset big personal goals, so face them head-on. A time of going through the motions can turn into a period of personal opportunity – as you allow yourself to grow. Luck opens a newly painted front door. 3 Your daily horoscope for Monday ♉ TAURUS April 21 to May 21 If you've been considering unusual money-making or spending options, this can be the day to start. Rebel planet Uranus is coming through strong, and your part in this process is to believe in your ability to know what's best for you, no matter what others say or do. Love has deep stability, despite surface ripples Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♊ GEMINI May 22 to June 21 Setting goals connected to an activity you adore can be the breakthrough of your day. A time of waiting is over and you are ready for action. If you're in love, Venus supports your heart in every way, which makes a tough decision easier. If you are single, your soulmate reminds you of someone from your past. Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♋ CANCER June 22 to July 22 A journey that's seemed just a dream can take a step towards reality, so be ready. You have planet connections in your chart that help you stand out – especially if you are standing up to speak, or to present. Jupiter's glow is all around, and luck lingers where people are updating names or numbers. Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♌ LEO July 23 to August 23 Taking time out for quiet, deep thinking can start your day on the best footing. Instead of pushing forward with an existing plan, you can see the benefits of trying something new. In love terms, you may be missing the way things were, but the potential of a bond is so exciting. Single? The One wears a bright name tag Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♍ VIRGO August 24 to September 22 What you believe inside, about yourself and your life, may be disrupted by Saturn's reversal. But this is a positive process when you go with it, instead of resisting. Be honest about the path you have chosen, and realistic about your options, and a sense of control can come back. VIP eyes are noticing you. Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 Deep inside, your sense of stability may be shaken by Saturn, but at home this can be a wake-up call. Credit: Getty ♎ LIBRA September 23 to October 23 This can be a day of career chances, as Jupiter adds a shimmer of success to your ambitions sector. Offers may not seem perfect at first, but you can make them that way, if you accept. A love decision may go round and round in your head, but it doesn't need to be all or nothing. Look again at a set of 'T' questions. Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♏ SCORPIO October 24 to November 22 Maybe you like firm rules to live and love by, but right now these can feel out of reach. Letting yourself respond to each word, or action, with an open heart and lack of judgment can take you forward. If you're with a partner, Venus intensifies a bond. If you start the day single, The One leaps out in a team picture. Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♐ SAGITTARIUS November 23 to December 21 Trying to keep every aspect of family life peaceful is a big ask – and your chart suggests it may be time to challenge someone who never wants to go your way. Together you can work out a solution that may seem impossible apart. Music that takes you back to a past event can be your soundtrack to future luck. Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♑ CAPRICORN December 22 to January 20 Sharing a health question with someone you trust can help you find a solution that works today, instead of hoping for a better tomorrow. Deep inside, your sense of stability may be shaken by Saturn, but at home this can be a wake-up call. What will you do with it? Passion asks for commitment, but you are ready for this Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 Your personal brand can be popular and profitable, and today you start to see how Credit: Supplied ♒ AQUARIUS January 21 to February 18 Turning imagination into rewards is today's theme – this can happen in many ways. Getting your ideas across at work is easier if you fit them into an accepted format. Your chance to be unique can be part of the package. As for love, instead of telling yourself certain actions won't work, try them and see. Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♓ PISCES February 19 to March 20 Your personal brand can be popular and profitable, and today you start to see how. Adding your name to a developing team, or project, can be one way – but there is also space for expressing yourself with passion and conviction. Practise in private first, then take your words public. A 'J' idea can lead your luck list. Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
