Facing the arrival of a first baby can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it involves the uncertainty of childbirth and the responsibility of caring for a newborn. Now, imagine the complexity of giving birth not to one, but to three babies simultaneously—and doing so alone at just 14 years old.
This was the reality for Shariya Small, who delivered premature triplets at an Indiana hospital. Her nurse, Katrina Mullen, witnessed the young mother’s struggle firsthand. The triplets, named Serenitee, Samari, and Sarayah, were born at just 26 weeks, significantly earlier than the typical 33 weeks for triplets, as noted by ReproductiveFacts.org. Consequently, the babies needed to remain in the NICU at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis for over five months, according to Today.com.
During their NICU stay, Mullen observed that Small frequently visited her infants alone, with no apparent support system. “She’d spend days by her babies’ side without anyone else there,” Mullen told Today.com.
As Mullen and Small got to know each other over the months, Small was initially hesitant to share details about her personal life. However, their connection deepened when Small learned that Mullen had also become a mother at a young age and had given her child up for adoption. This shared experience fostered a bond between them, leading Mullen to offer guidance and support on caring for the infants.
Before the babies were discharged from the hospital, Mullen provided Small with her phone number, anticipating that the young mother might need further assistance. Small frequently reached out to Mullen for advice, and the nurse grew increasingly concerned about Small’s situation. Mullen decided to visit Small, who was living an hour away with a relative.
The visit revealed troubling conditions in Small’s home, and Mullen was alarmed to find that her son Samari appeared notably underweight. Samari’s condition necessitated a hospital admission, which triggered an intervention by Child Protective Services. After assessing the situation, CPS determined that Small and her triplets would need to enter foster care. Small provided Mullen’s contact information to the social worker, setting in motion the next steps for the family's future.