A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 34
An introduction to the NICU and SCN
A Dad’s Story:
Alex
When my wife was confined
to complete bed rest after
going into labour at 22 weeks,
becoming a father was becoming
more imminent as we battled
the odds to keep the twins in
utero one more day. Little did I
know just how different my role
as a father would be. I recall
being overcome with the feeling
of helplessness when the twins
arrived early and were being
whisked away. I was overcome
with a feeling of overwhelm - I
wanted to protect and provide
for my family while staying
strong for my partner who at
the time didn’t understand the
complexity of the road ahead as
she recovered post surgery. But
most of all, I struggled with the
fact that there was nothing at
the time that I could do and that I
“
had no control over the situation
or outcome.
To have these feelings is human
and natural however, as a father,
there may never be a time where
a dignified, steadfast and calm
reaction will serve you, your
children and your partner in the
best possible way. At this point in
my life, prematurity has been my
greatest teacher. I think the desire
a father has to protect his children
is one of the biggest emotions I
felt during our time in hospital
The exact effects of kangaroo
care, talking to your baby and just
being close to them has not been
quantified. But, personally I don’t
think you can underestimate the
effects of this positive energy and
the opportunity it allows for you to
bond with your baby.
I made it my mission to
understand everything about the
machines,
the numbers, the medical
terminology and to be involved in
the day to day care of our babies.
It allowed me to feel a sense of
control, but most importantly, it
made me feel like a father!
For couples navigating
prematurity, it is so important to
be united and allow each other
to have personal emotional
reactions and to nurture, love and
guide each other.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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