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Twenty-four weeks into her
pregnancy, Camille Tkach,
LPN, discovered that she
would deliver her identical
twins prematurely. Yet, she
was unaware of the many
physical and emotional
challenges she and her
husband, Joseph Jr., would
face after Elizabeth's and
Carolann's births on
November 10, 2003.
Approximately 10% of infants
born before 37 weeks of
gestation are defined as
premature, according to the
American Academy of Family
Physicians.
Women may deliver early due
to the body's immune
response or maternal or
fetal stress. Meanwhile,
bleeding can stimulate
premature uterine
contractions. Uterine
stretching may lead to
premature birth, as well.
Premature infants (preemies)
usually weigh less than 5
pounds, 8 ounces. Some
common preemie risks
include: poor growth,
feeding problems like
cerebral palsy, learning
disabilities, sudden infant
death syndrome (SIDS),
hypertension, dental
abnormalities, hearing loss,
respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV,) gastro esophageal
reflux, heart and lung
disorders.
Like most preemies, the
Tkach twins had to stay in a
hospital neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU), for
further monitoring. For two
months, the Tkachs visited
their daughter% as the
babies received surfactant,
a substance that keeps
lungs' air sacs open,
through ventilators and air
masks.
When they finally went home,
Elizabeth and Carolann still
wore heart monitors. At the
same time, the girls
developed apnea of
pre-maturity (AOP), a
condition causing babies to
stop breathing for 15 to 20
seconds. The Tkachs couldn't
put up blinking Christmas
lights or watch television
that would over stimulate
the twins, either. Most
preemies become agitated or
ill when their brains can't
process sensory overloads.
"I was extremely tired and
stressed. I thought no one
understood what I was going
through," said Camille Tkach.
Following a premature birth,
many parents feel out of
control and experience
anger, guilt, depression and
anxiety. Others become
reclusive since preemies
have weakened immune systems
and can't attend daycare or
be around crowds of people.
For months, Tkach only went
out when she needed to go to
the grocery store.
Currently, 15 month old
Elizabeth and Carolann have
chronic lung disease, which
is occasionally treated with
breathing treatments.
Otherwise, the girls are
healthy, according to their
mother.
Still, Tkach doesn't "want
anyone to feel alone and
without resources" like she
did after delivering her
premature daughters. As a
result, Tkach is moderating
"Look at What's Arrived:
Parents of Premature
Infants," in conjunction
with Excela Health. The
support group will meet next
at 6 p.m., .July 8, in
conference room C at
Westmoreland Regional
Hospital. Parking is free.
Although the group is geared
toward parents, Excela
Health invites all family
members to meet with the
group, the second Friday of
every month.
Guest speakers will provide
information about caring for
preemies' special needs.
Presenters include a
counselor discussing
emotions, a nutritionist
presenting information about
preemies' special diets, and
a respiratory therapist
informing participants about
preemie risks and
treatments. Tkach also will
talk about babies' emotional
and developmental
benchmarks.
To register, contact the
Excela Health Call Center
toll free at 1 877 771 1234.
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