{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"A NICU Dad Story: Life After a 25 Week Premature Birth","description":"\u201cI kept telling her, \u2018We\u2019ve got this.\u2019 And inside, I had no clue what was coming next.\u201d What does it look like to be \u201cthe strong one\u201d when your world is falling apart? In this episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Jared Muscat\u2014dad, surfer, and self-proclaimed \u201cdad-vocate\u201d\u2014to share his family\u2019s unexpected journey into the NICU after a high-risk pregnancy. From a routine 20-week appointment to welcoming his son Ollie at just 25 weeks, Jared opens up about fear, resilience, and what it means to show up as a partner and father in crisis. He shares the emotional weight of protecting his family while processing his own grief, the importance of finding support, and how small rituals\u2014like late-night NICU visits and lullabies\u2014helped him bond with his son. This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, vulnerability, and the strength it takes to keep going when nothing feels certain. What You\u2019ll Hear in This Episode: The moment everything changed during a routine pregnancy appointment Navigating uncertainty, fear, and decision-making as a dad and partner The emotional experience of becoming a NICU parent overnight How Jared balanced supporting his wife, caring for his older son, and coping himself The power of routines, community, and finding other dads who understand What bonding looks like in the NICU\u2014and the moment it finally clicked Life after the NICU and adjusting to a new normal at home   Key Takeaways: Dads experience deep emotional strain in the NICU\u2014often quietly You don\u2019t have to carry everything alone\u2014finding support is essential Small, consistent rituals can create stability in chaos Bonding doesn\u2019t always happen immediately\u2014and that\u2019s okay The NICU feels endless, but it won\u2019t last forever About Our Guest: Jared Muscat is a father of two, a marketing agency owner, and a passionate advocate for NICU dads. Through his own experience, he now supports other families navigating complex medical journeys. Resources to Support NICU Families  The NICU Dad Listen to Alex's Story here. March of Dimes Hand to Hold Connect with Jared Instagram Website Connect with Us Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Follow us on Instagram for updates and opportunities to connect with other parents Download SupportSpot: receive Child Life tools at your fingertips. Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources! Medical information provided is not a substitute for professional advice\u2014please consult your care team.   Keywords: NICU dad, NICU father support, NICU dad mental health, premature baby dad, NICU parenting for dads, NICU dad podcast, NICU journey dad, father of preemie, NICU support for fathers, dad in the NICU     ","author_name":"Inside the Children's Hospital","author_url":"http:\/\/insidethechildrenshospital.com","html":"