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.

This isn’t just a fitness challenge—it’s a movement to raise awareness and spotlight the resilience of NICU fathers.

🔗 Use hashtags: #musclesandmiracles #pushwithpurpose #thenicudadpushupchallenge

Resources & Links from today’s episode 📌 Follow Alex & The NICU Dad Community:

• Website
• Podcast
• Instagram 

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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.