The NICU Dad

04/23/2026

Executive Council members Alex Zavala of The NICU Dad and Cameron Boyd, MD have established a new FCC Taskforce Committee dedicated to supporting NICU fathers and non-birthing parents! Their lived experience and clinical leadership will help elevate voices that have too often been overlooked in the NICU setting because we know that FCC is strongest when dads and non-birthing parents are intentionally included, supported, and engaged.

04/23/2026

🎙️ Today on the NICUnity Podcast, we’re talking about a part of the NICU journey that is too often overlooked—the emotional reality of fathers and non-birthing parents.

Today, we’re moving from research into lived experience. We’re joined by two NICU dads who didn’t just survive those early days and weeks—they transformed them into leadership, connection, and community.

This episode is an invitation to see fathers and non-birthing parents more fully—because when they become visible, entire families grow stronger.

Today’s guests:

✨ Adam Wood
Retired U.S. Army veteran, micropreemie dad, author, and founder of Preemie Adventures. Adam’s son, Brady, was born at 25 weeks weighing 1 lb. 4 oz. and spent 135 days in the NICU. He later wrote Our Preemie Adventure to help families bond through the NICU experience.

✨ Alex Zavala
Entrepreneur, advocate, and founder of NICU Dad, a national movement empowering fathers through connection, community, and advocacy. Through podcasts, peer groups, and outreach, Alex is helping strengthen father engagement and family-centered NICU care nationwide.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

04/08/2026

20oz Engraved Tumbler – “Built For This” Lion Design (NICU Dad)

This 20oz engraved stainless steel tumbler carries a quiet confidence — matte white wrapped around a bold, etched lion and the phrase “Built For This.” The deep engraving won’t fade, giving the design a tactile, durable edge that ages without losing character. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps morning coffee hot or iced tea cold for hours, while the spill-resistant slide lid makes it easy to grab and go....

This 20oz engraved stainless steel tumbler carries a quiet confidence — matte white wrapped around a bold, etched lion and the phrase “Built For This.” The deep engraving won’t fade, giving the design a tactile, durable edge that ages without losing character. Double-wall vacuum insulation k...

03/31/2026

Tonight: The NICU Dad Huddle (Virtual, Free)

Fathers in the NICU are often expected to “stay strong” while carrying stress, trauma, and uncertainty. The NICU Dad Huddle provides a low-barrier, peer-support space—camera optional, join/leave as needed.

Tonight: 7 pm CT

Join/RSVP: https://forms.gle/bKPMzkhvyVfw6AJLA

Please share with NICU families and care teams supporting fathers.

03/25/2026

03/19/2026

Happening TODAY: an open forum-style session facilitated by Jess Daigle, MD, FAAP and Alex Zavala on Thursday, March 19th. They’ll be discussing building trust during high-stakes decisions successfully overcoming disagreements between clinicians and families in the NICU. A friendly reminder that open forum sessions are not recorded in an effort to facilitate a safe space for sharing. We hope to see you there!

Join our free membership to register: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QmVtGvnETQEJ3o?jfefe=new

03/18/2026

Podcast Logo Trucker Hat — “The NICU Dad Podcast” Embroidered Snapback

A classic snapback trucker cap built for days on the road, at the mic, or out soaking up sun. The structured mid-profile crown and pre-curved visor hold their shape while the breathable mesh back keeps air flowing. Soft cotton at the front and sweatband balances durability with comfort, and the adjustable plastic snap closure lets you dial in the fit quickly....

A classic snapback trucker cap built for days on the road, at the mic, or out soaking up sun. The structured mid-profile crown and pre-curved visor hold their shape while the breathable mesh back keeps air flowing. Soft cotton at the front and sweatband balances durability with comfort, and the adju...

03/18/2026

Embroidered Trucker Cap — ‘Ain’t Scared of This’ Bear Graphic

This structured snapback trucker cap brings outdoorsy attitude to everyday wear. The mid-profile crown and pre-curved visor give it a classic trucker silhouette, while breathable mesh at the back keeps you cool on hot days. Embroidered artwork on the front adds textured detail and personality without overpowering the look. Adjustable snap closure and a cotton sweatband mean it conforms comfortably to your head and handles long hours in the sun....

This structured snapback trucker cap brings outdoorsy attitude to everyday wear. The mid-profile crown and pre-curved visor give it a classic trucker silhouette, while breathable mesh at the back keeps you cool on hot days. Embroidered artwork on the front adds textured detail and personality withou...

03/16/2026

Happening this week: an open forum-style session facilitated by Jess Daigle, MD, FAAP and Alex Zavala on Thursday, March 19th. They’ll be discussing building trust during high-stakes decisions successfully overcoming disagreements between clinicians and families in the NICU. A friendly reminder that open forum sessions are not recorded in an effort to facilitate a safe space for sharing. We hope to see you there!

Join our free membership to register: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QmVtGvnETQEJ3o?jfefe=new

03/16/2026

Behind every NICU dad is a weight most people never see.
He’s carrying fear, trauma, pressure, exhaustion, responsibility, and still showing up anyway.
Some fathers walk into those NICU doors holding more than bags.
They’re holding the family together while trying not to fall apart themselves.
This is for every NICU dad who kept going, even when no one asked how he was doing.
We see you. We honor you. We stand with you.

Tag a NICU dad, pray for a NICU dad, or share this so more people understand what fathers carry too.

03/16/2026

Check out The NICU Dad’s video.