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

"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 

• The NICU Dad
  • Listen to Alex's Story here.
• March of Dimes
• Hand to Hold

Connect with Jared

Instagram

Website

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Medical information provided is not a substitute for professional advice—please consult your care team.