In this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, Ashley Allemand, DVM, talked about her experience of becoming a mother to quadruplets as a solo practice owner.
It is a rare person who receives the news they are expecting quadruplets and handles it with such aplomb. Allemand gave birth to her four babies in February 2024. The day she and her husband found out they were expecting quadruplets, they were shocked and speechless. “We’re getting through it and learning so much,” she said.
As a solo equine practitioner, Allemand hired an associate to help with the practice during her maternity leave. Her husband is a farrier, so they both can make their own work schedules. Currently, Allemand cares for the babies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and her husband takes care of them on Tuesday and Thursday. In the future, they hope to each take two along with them on workdays, although feeding, changing, and napping multiple babies can be challenging even at home. Their goal is to build a small haul-in facility so they can see clients more efficiently as their children grow.
The couple moved closer to family when they found out they were expecting quadruplets, eager to have community support. Despite the risk of complications, the babies were born healthy at 33 weeks and had minimal NICU stays. A team of 30 attended the planned C-section delivery, and each baby cried vigorously at birth. “The surgeon was amazing,” Allemand said. “She delivered four babies in two minutes.” Although the three girls and one boy receive the same nurturing, they have very distinct personalities. “They are the greatest gift,” Allemand said.
Allemand advised other new parents to be honest with clients and bosses about what your schedule does and does not allow. “Equine clients are some of the coolest in the world,” she said. They have been very accepting of her schedule and have showered the babies with gifts. “Be as flexible as possible,” she said.
In closing, Alleman said anytime you’re faced with the unknown, take it one day at a time, and talk with others as you process.
About Dr. Ashley Allemand
Ashley Allemand, DVM, earned her undergraduate degree and DVM from Louisiana State University. She was a 2018 recipient of the coveted AAEP Coyote Rock Ranch scholarship award. In 2021, she opened her own practice, Faith Veterinary Services, an ambulatory equine practice in Southeast Louisiana offering services for performance horses as well as beloved backyard equine companions. She and her husband, Garrett, a farrier, welcomed quadruplets in February 2024.
Related Reading
- The Equine Practitioner’s Mid-Career Crunch
- The Business of Practice: Maternity and Family Policies in Equine Veterinary Practice
- The Business of Practice: Creating a Family-Friendly Practice Culture
Stay in the know! Sign up for EquiManagement’s FREE weekly newsletters to get the latest equine research, disease alerts, and vet practice updates delivered straight to your inbox.
