Well – that was certainly shocking news. Ashley and Tyler Meyers of Laurel, Miss., were unprepared for what turned out to be the surprise of their lifetime. And it all started with a simple cold and a trip to the pharmacy.
The journey began in January when Ashley, 26, picked up some cough syrup and decided to buy a pregnancy test since her period was a day late. As a phlebotomist and a cautious mother, she knew some medications could be harmful during pregnancy. “Not only was the test positive, the line was darker than I’ve ever seen in my life,” Ashley said. This was the first hint that this pregnancy might be different from her previous ones.
The quintuplets. Photo courtesy of the Meyers family
Ashley and her husband Tyler, 28, who works as a mechanic, had recently moved into a new home and were not planning to expand their family at this time. When initial blood work suggested they might be expecting twins, the couple felt confident they could manage. However, a subsequent OB-GYN visit revealed that they were expecting quintuplets – two boys and three girls.
I was in complete shock,” Angie said. “I don’t think my husband and I talked to people for two weeks. We just went silent. Five is a lot of babies.”
With two toddlers already at home, the Meyers family was, you might say, a bit shocked. But their faith in God helped guide them. “He is not going to put you in a situation that you can’t handle,” Tyler said. Quintuplets are an extraordinary rarity, occurring in roughly one in 60 million births, according to Dr. Rachael Morris, an associate professor of maternal fetal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Currently 25 weeks pregnant, Ashley is on bed rest at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where doctors hope she can make it to 34 weeks. This extended hospital stay has been bearable thanks to the support and advice from Haylee and Shawn Ladner, another couple who welcomed quintuplets at the same hospital in 2023.
Tyler and Ashley Meyers are expecting quintuplets. Photo courtesy of the Meyers family
“My doctors are hoping we’ll make it to 34 weeks, because the longer they’re in, the better,” Angie said. “I’ve been coloring and watching some TV and catching up on all the stuff I haven’t been able to do because I worked full-time before this.” Tyler is staying home with the toddlers. He said the time alone has given him a “whole new respect” for his wife.
Taking care of little kids after a long day at work is harder than I thought it would be!” Tyler said.
The Meyers have also felt the love and friendship of their local community. The couple’s GoFundMe page has garnered support for medical expenses and baby essentials. Neighbors and friends have rallied around them, helping with household chores and preparing the home for the new arrivals.
Preparing for five new babies involves more than just emotional readiness. The Meyers have been busy assembling baby beds, swings, and car seats, with many items donated by the community. A local business owner, Angie Ducksworth, has been a significant supporter, promoting the Meyers’ registry and organizing donations.
“Customers are family, and we strive to be personable,” Ducksworth said. Her efforts, along with those of many others, have provided the Meyers with much-needed resources and emotional support. The family can’t get over how much love their friends, as well as complete strangers, have showed them. “They say it takes a village to raise a child,” she said.
“I love our community,” Ashley said. “Complete strangers have blessed us with kindness. People have to come to help clean and wash dishes and get the rooms ready. When big stuff happens, we rally around each other. When everyone’s got your back it doesn’t feel so scary.”
