Father's Day is right around the corner, and although NICU dads need support year-round, this is a great opportunity to share our resources just for dads. Keep reading for Alex Zavala's advice for NICU dads, a checklist about how to support your partner in the NICU, and a podcast and Facebook group just for dads. Happy Father's Day!
10 Things NICU Dads Need to Know
Before I became a NICU dad myself, I knew people who had children in the NICU, but I never really understood what that really meant. I knew babies who needed surgery or babies who were not doing too well went to the NICU. What I never really thought about was the NICU experience, especially through a dad’s perspective.
Now having gone through our own 67-day NICU stay, there are several things I wish I had known about being a NICU dad. I can only speak from my experience, but I’m sure I’m not alone.
A traumatic birth and a NICU stay both place added pressure on relationships. Tending to and nourishing your relationship with your partner now will provide for a stronger foundation for your family as your NICU journey continues.
NICU Dad Discussions offers real conversations with real NICU and bereaved dads on topics like anxiety, depression and PTSD; how the NICU affects relationships with partners; and how to connect with other NICU dads for community and support. Search NICU Dad Discussions on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or on our website.
"Hand to Hold’s in-hospital family support specialists played an instrumental role in checking in on us. Just having someone to talk to was very comforting.”"
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