As a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala shares his perspective and critical role as a father on today’s episode of the podcast.

Alex shares so many moments along his journey that impacted him and gives advice to fellow NICU dads out there. This episode is for you too, moms and partners — you will gain a greater understanding of what the father’s experience can be like.

[3:32] Alex shares about his family

[7:39] Giving his wife daily injections

[9:49] Went to the store to register for baby gifts

[10:41] Alex’s wife called to let him know her water broke

[11:00] The drive to the hospital

[14:16] Feeling like you are in the movies

[16:00] Finding newfound strength as the situation gets harder

[17:36] Feeling like you are drinking water from a firehose

[18:27] Stat C-Section

[19:34] Alone and scrubbing in

[22:35] Pleading with the doctors

[24:26] Putting faith in the team

[25:28] Feeling helpless

[26:46] Being in the OR was traumatic for Alex

[27:07] Alex’s daughter is born

[28:05] Alex’s attention turns to his wife as she has post delivery complications

[31:25] Dad’s are responsible for relaying so much information in the NICU

[32:32] Baby was transported to the Children’s Hospital

[34:00] Setting foot in the NICU for the first time

[35:40] His wife meeting the baby

[38:14] The trauma and the stress is at a different level for Dads

[38:52] The NICU is just a warm up for home life

[40:15] Taking better care of yourself

[42:10] Sharing your experience makes you feel less alone

Connect With Alex

Instagram

NICU Dad Website

Hand to Hold NICU Dad Podcast

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