“It wasn't any kind of strength within myself that helped me get through the NICU. It was the strength they had—they gave it to me.”- Savannah O'Malley We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more...
Episode 144 | Alex’s Story – A NICU Dad Perspective
Podcast Show Notes
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
Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Parents, download our free parent starter kit.
When you download our starter kit, you’ll learn how to:
- Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
- Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
- Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure
The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.
Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.
Shop for your CLOC gear here.
Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.
You Might Also Like…
246: Pyroxd1 and the Path Forward: A Rare Disease, a Life-Saving Lesson & a Mission to Help Others- Maria + Matt’s Story
"What we realized was that rare isn’t as rare as we think—there are so many of us out here searching for answers, fighting for our kids, and trying to make a difference."- Maria Granados We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer...
245:Navigating HIE: Hope for Families, and Life Beyond the NICU [REPOST]- Betsy’s Story
"I remember sitting in the NICU thinking, ‘Am I going to lose my baby? Is this the best outcome for him? What will his life look like?’ And then I realized—I wasn’t alone in these thoughts. Other parents had been here before, and they found a way forward. That’s when...
