A NICU Dad Story: Life After a 25 Week Premature Birth

A NICU Dad Story: Life After a 25 Week Premature Birth

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist May 20, 2026 Duration: 49:52

"I kept telling her, 'We've got this.' And inside, I had no clue what was coming next."

What does it look like to be "the strong one" when your world is falling apart?

In this episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Jared Muscat—dad, surfer, and self-proclaimed "dad-vocate"—to share his family's 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—like late-night NICU visits and lullabies—helped 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'll 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—and 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—often quietly

  • You don't have to carry everything alone—finding support is essential

  • Small, consistent rituals can create stability in chaos

  • Bonding doesn't always happen immediately—and that's okay

  • The NICU feels endless, but it won't 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 

Connect with Jared

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Website

Connect with Us

Medical information provided is not a substitute for professional advice—please 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

 

 


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Inside the Children's Hospital
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