06/09/2026
Happy Father's Day!
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, 6 September, a special time to honour fathers and the important men in our lives.
For families who have experienced a premature or sick birth, Father’s Day can bring a mix of emotions. For some dads, their journey into fatherhood may have looked very different from what they imagined, beginning in a neonatal unit, surrounded by unfamiliar equipment, uncertainty and worry.
When a baby is born premature or sick, much of the focus naturally turns to the baby and the mother. But dads and partners are experiencing their own journey, too.
They may feel scared, overwhelmed, helpless or unsure of what they are supposed to do.
Some dads find themselves trying to be the strong one for everyone else, putting their own feelings aside while supporting their family. Others may feel like they are on the outside of the experience, unsure of how to connect with their baby or where they fit within the neonatal environment.
There is no right way to feel.
Every dad's experience is different.
Support is important for dads, too.
Connecting with other fathers who have experienced a neonatal journey can help reduce feelings of isolation and remind dads that they aren't the only ones navigating these emotions.
At Miracle Babies Foundation, we understand that the neonatal journey affects the whole family.
Our NurtureProgram provides ongoing support, information and connection for families during their time in hospital and beyond.
Father's Day gifts to support father's in the Neonatal unit
Every year, Miracle Babies Foundation distributes Father’s Day gifts to dads who have a baby in specialised care.
Father’s Day should be a day of celebration, but for families navigating the neonatal journey, it can often be filled with uncertainty, worry and a mix of emotions.
These small gifts are a simple way to remind dads and their families that they are seen, supported and not alone during such a challenging time.
A huge thank you to the Hyundai Dealers and Hyundai Help for Kids team for volunteering their time to pack our Father’s Day gifts. We’re so grateful for your continued support and for helping us let these dads know that we’re here for them.
How can Miracle Babies Foundation help neonatal Dads?
- Call Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureLine (24 hour family support helpline) for peer emotional support - 1300 622 243
- Visit the Just for Dads section on our website
- Join our closed Facebook Group to connect with other neonatal Dads
- Become informed of the neonatal unit through our Nurture EEE Information Hub
- Speak with our NurtureTime team in the neonatal unit - find out if we're in a hospital near you.
- Be informed through our Nurture Guidebook
Just for Dads - NEW
We know becoming a dad can be an incredible experience, but when your baby is born premature or sick, the journey into fatherhood can look very different from what you imagined.
That’s why we’ve created Just for Dads - a space where dads can find helpful information, practical tips and support for the neonatal journey.
Whether you’re looking for how to support your partner, getting involved in your baby’s care or navigating work or just want to hear from other dads and families who have been there, we’re here to help.
You’ll find information on:
- Finding your role as a Dad and getting involved in your baby’s care
- Supporting Mum through the ups and downs of the neonatal journey
- Navigating the neonatal unit and knowing what to expect
- Bonding with your baby through kangaroo care, talking, reading and everyday moments
- Looking after yourself and finding ways to manage the emotional side of the journey
- Navigating the workplace while juggling work, family and hospital life
- Bereavement and loss, with support for dads experiencing the loss of their baby
- Reading family stories written by dads who have walked a similar path
You don’t have to know exactly what to do, and you don’t have to go through it alone, we are here for you.
Head to our Just for Dads section to find information, support and resources to help you along the way.
Hear from a dad himself
This year we spoke with a miracle dad himself, Matt, who has 2 premature sons both born at 34 weeks. While he didn't celebrate Father's Day in the Neonatal unit, we asked a few questions about the experience from his perspective. This is what he had to say:
Can you share the moment you first became a dad and how it was different from what you imagined? It was overwhelming, a love I never knew was possible.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your baby’s time in the neonatal unit? Having to leave my wife and baby to go back to work because we couldn’t afford for me not to.
How did you find your own role in supporting your baby and partner during those early days? It was stressful. I didn’t know where to be or what I needed to do. Plus had 2 older kids at home. So it was very hard.
How did you handle working (if you did) while your baby was admitted? I had no choice. But it wasn’t where I wanted to be. To be honest, it was all a blur. I don’t think I did my job very well. My mind wasn’t there.
What would you say to another dad who is just beginning the Neonatal journey?
Stay patient. Ask questions. And talk to your wife about how you’re feeling. The journey affects you both. And it’s ok to be scared.
How are you and your child doing now? Both my boys are doing really well. They are very happy and healthy. I have a great relationship with all my kids and I’m very proud of them.
