Episode 144 | Alex’s Story - A NICU Dad Perspective - a podcast by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist
from 2022-11-02T06:00
As a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala share 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 learn more about the dad perspective and how to support your spouse.
[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 new found 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
[23:45] Pleading with the doctor
[24:10] Putting faith in the team
[26:30] Being in the OR was traumatic for Alex
[27:10] Alex's attention turns to his wife as she has post delivery complications
[30:25] Dad's are responsible for relaying so much information in the NICU
[31:32] Baby was transported to the Children's Hospital
[33:00] Setting foot in the NICU for the first time
[34:40] His wife meeting the baby
[37:20] The trauma and the stress is at a different level for Dads
[37:52] The NICU is just a warm up for home life
[39:15] Taking better care of yourself
[41:09] Sharing your experience makes you feel less alone
Connect With Alex
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- Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
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- Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure
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Further episodes of Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist
Further podcasts by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist