Some little early birds don't get to term

By LAURIE M. FISHER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LIBERTY -- Steven and Renee Sheakoski of Liberty consider their fourth child, Talia, a miracle baby.
On Feb. 25, 1992, Talia was born eight weeks prematurely, weighing 3 pounds 12 ounces. Her first 28 days were spent in St. Elizabeth Health Center's Neonatal Special Care Unit.
Today, the straight A student at Akiva Academy enjoys soccer and plays violin and piano. On May 6, Talia will perform with other graduates of the neonatal unit at a reunion at the new visitors center at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park, Youngstown.
The children will entertain friends and family as well as the doctors and nurses who cared for them.
Inspiration and hope: Talia's and other healthy children's success stories should provide inspiration and hope to families who have premature infants, explained Dr. Elena Rossi, director of neonatology and head of pediatrics at St. Elizabeth's.
Like many families, the Sheakoskis didn't expect a problem pregnancy. Their experience with their first three children included normal pregnancies and births.
But throughout her fourth pregnancy, Renee had several medical problems. She was hospitalized at St. Elizabeth's for the month before Talia's birth.
"It can happen to anybody; it doesn't have anything to do with prenatal care or prior delivery," Steven said.
After arrival: After the baby's birth by emergency Caesarean section, the couple named their daughter Talia, which means "heaven's dew" in Hebrew.
During the first weeks, Talia required two blood transfusions and oxygen. "The hard part is going home without the baby. You are there for a few days, and it is difficult to go home without your child," Steven recalled.
Renee visited at least three times a day. She pumped breast milk, which the baby was fed through a tube, since she hadn't developed the ability to nurse. Steven, an anesthesiologist at the hospital, visited his daughter before beginning his work and after his cases were finished. Siblings Michael, Ashley and Liah were able to see their sister only through a window.
Talia joined her family at their Liberty home when she weighed nearly 5 pounds. Throughout the first year, she was attached to an apnea monitor, which triggers an alarm if the child stops breathing.
Development: Her parents happily report that Talia has caught up with her peers in development. "It took her a little longer to crawl and walk. She lagged behind in the growth charts the first couple of years. There was always a concern about mental development. Fortunately, that wasn't a problem," said Steven.
Nine years later, Talia said she enjoys the role of the youngest child. "Talia likes to hear the story of how she was born and why we named her after that experience," Renee said with a smile. "She is very close to us. There is a good bond between us."
The Sheakoskis are involved in planning the reunion because of their experience. "I think you have to have a lot of faith. The doctors and nurses had a lot of good advice. They kept you strong," Renee said.
"It is scary especially when it is your own child. I'm in the hospital and I see this all the time with preemies. Most of the kids develop OK, some of them don't. Some have developmental problems, physical and mental," said Steven.
"One of the purposes of the events is to reassure the parents they aren't the only ones with kids who were born premature. Kids do progress and do very well. The reunion serves as group therapy and support, in fun way. Parents will realize they are part of larger group that has to deal with these issues," he added.
Dr. Rossi expects about 250 children and family members at the event. The last reunion was about five years ago, she said.
Seeing the progress: "It is very rewarding and it is amazing for the staff to see the progress. You never know how they are going to do. It is encouraging to other families. It is very emotionally uplifting to be part of that day," she acknowledged.
"Not all babies do well. We want to celebrate the babies we didn't know how they were going to do. They are all miracles," she said.
Participants can tour the gardens and education center. Beverages and light snacks will be provided. Reservations are suggested, but not required. For information, call (330) 480-MOMS.