The NICU Dad Experience: A father’s view from the NICU [REPOST] (257)-Alex’s Story

What happens when your world changes with a single phone call? In this powerful reposted episode, NICU dad and advocate Alex Zavala shares his emotional journey of fatherhood after his daughter was born at just 27 weeks. From the emergency C-section and NICU stay to the emotional toll of the "NICU dad shuffle," Alex opens up about the lesser-heard experience of dads navigating medical trauma, guilt, and resilience.

As the host of the NICU Dad Podcast, Alex continues to amplify the voices of fathers facing similar experiences. This conversation is an essential listen for NICU families and healthcare professionals alike, reminding us of the often unseen emotional weight fathers carry and how vital their perspective is in family-centered care.

 

Key Takeaways from this week’s episode:

 

• Premature birth can happen suddenly

• Fathers experience trauma too 

• The “NICU dad shuffle” is real 

• Life after the NICU is still challenging

• Community and storytelling are healing for fathers

 

Timestamps & Key Topics

• [00:00] – Welcome & Episode Intro
  Alex’s story as a NICU dad begins with two premature daughters
• [04:00] – The NICU Numbers That Stay With You
  27 weeks. 2 lbs. 5 oz. 67 days in the NICU—numbers you never forget
• [06:00] – A High-Risk Pregnancy & Sudden Crisis
  Despite a stable pregnancy, a 9:00 AM phone call changes everything
• [10:00] – The Emergency C-Section
  Racing to the hospital, trauma in the OR, and feeling helpless
• [15:00] – A Whirlwind of Fear & Responsibility
  Trying to stay strong for his wife and unborn child amid chaos
• [20:00] – The NICU Dad Shuffle Begins
  Managing hospital visits, home life, and caring for the rest of the family
• [27:00] – The Guilt of Having to Choose
  The emotional strain of not being able to be everywhere at once
• [33:00] – First NICU Visit & Early Trauma
  Walking into the NICU for the first time—alone, overwhelmed, and unsure
• [38:00] – Life After the NICU: It Gets Harder
  Why going home with a medically fragile baby brought even more pressure
• [40:00] – Dads Carry Trauma Too
  Postpartum stress, partner support, and being the emotional anchor
• [42:00] – Healing Through Storytelling
  Why sharing his story and connecting with other NICU dads has been life-changing
• [44:00] – Where to Find Support

💪 Join the NICU Dad Push-Up Challenge!
NICU dads carry an invisible weight—emotionally, mentally, and physically. The "Built For This" Push-Up Challenge is a powerful way to honor that strength. Complete 100 push-ups a day for the number of days your child spent in the NICU, share your journey on social, and tag fellow NICU dads to join.