Father’s Day falls on Sunday, 7th September, a special time to honour fathers and the important men in our lives.

Today, we especially acknowledge those spending Father’s Day in the Neonatal Unit, as well as dads experiencing their very first Father’s Day with their families.

Becoming a dad to a premature baby can bring many mixed emotions. You may feel excited about parenthood, while also feeling worried about your baby (or babies) and their mum.

There’s also a lot happening around you. In the days following a premature birth, you might be speaking with doctors, learning about your baby’s condition, sharing updates with loved ones, or juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed during this time.

Take care of yourself so you can care for your little one in the Neonatal Unit - remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. 

It’s important for dads to acknowledge their own emotions and needs, whatever they may be. Making time for yourself – even if it’s just a short nap or a hot shower – can make a real difference.

If you’re finding things difficult, reach out and talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. You don’t have to go through it alone. Our 24-hour NurtureLine (1300 622 243) is available for parents of premature or sick newborns, as well as family and friends who may need emotional support during this challenging time.

This year, we spoke with 2 Miracle dads, Donald and Michael, who experienced having newborns in the Neonatal unit. While they didn't celebrate Father's Day in the NICU, we asked a few questions about the experience from their perspective. This is what they had to say:

Can you share the moment you first became a dad and how it was different from what you imagined?

Donald: The moment I first became a dad happened so quickly. It happened in December 2021, with an emergency c-section. After my wife gave birth to our MCDA twins, I shuttled them to the NICU. It all happened so fast and it all felt so uncertain. It was different from what I imagined, as we didn’t expect to be in the NICU. We had no idea that we were going to call the hospital home for 7 weeks. 

Michael: On the 7th of January 2008, nothing could have prepared us for the life-changing day when Rylan and Liam came into the world. Their premature arrival shattered all of our plans and left me in shock, yet filled with an overwhelming rush of emotions. That morning, around 5:20am, I awoke to find Kara in the shower as her waters had broken. Without hesitation, I gently helped her get dressed and drove her calmly to Westmead Hospital. We were taken straight into the emergency department, where we were told she was in labour.What should have been a moment of pure joy quickly became clouded with fear and grief as we faced the reality of their early arrival. I prayed with all my heart that our boys would find the strength to make it through. And then, they were here—so tiny, so delicate, and yet so incredibly beautiful. I longed to hold them close, but they were fragile and fighting hard from their very first breath.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your baby’s time in the neonatal unit?

Donald: The biggest challenge I faced during my babies’ time in the NICU was my wife being unwell and admitted into hospital with Postpartum Psychosis. I found it challenging to navigate between two wards; the adult psych ward and the NICU. For 7 weeks, I saw the sun rise and the sun set at the hospital. Due to the ratio, our twins were separated for some time. This made it hard to move between nurseries to do all their cares. Eventually my wife and babies were reunited and she was able to come down from her ward to nurse. 

Michael: The greatest challenge I faced while Rylan and Liam were in the neonatal ward was staying calm and coming to terms with their premature birth. Each day brought the difficult yet uplifting routine of travelling to Westmead Hospital to support Kara and spend those precious early moments with the boys. Despite the uncertainty, I held on to optimism, believing they would make a full recovery from such a significant early arrival and eventually leave the hospital to live a healthy, normal life.

How did you find your own role in supporting your baby and partner during those early days?

Donald: From the moment your partner delivers your child/ren, you learn to move into the role quickly. From cutting their umbilical cord, to shuttling them to NICU- it all feels surreal. Over the duration of your time, you get better at being a partner and a dad with kids! Due to my wife’s medical condition, I actually did the night feeds so she could restore her sleep. It was doctor’s orders so we came up with a good system; where she would be hands on from sunrise to sunset and when I came home from work, I would take over. 

Michael: At first, I found it challenging to support my wife and our babies, as I was overwhelmed by the emotions of their early arrival and the daily routine of travelling to the hospital to be by their side. I quickly settled into my role and became a key support for Kara—liaising with doctors and nursing staff, and assisting her in every way possible to help her through that difficult period.

How did you handle working (if you did) while your baby was admitted?

Donald: I have a very supportive workplace that allowed me to have carers leave. It allowed me to spend all day and night at the hospital. When we were discharged, I had flexible working hours to support my partner’s transition home with two babies. 

Michael: During the twins’ critical stage in the neonatal ward, I made the decision not to work. Instead, I devoted my time to being present with them, cherishing those precious early moments, and supporting Kara through such a challenging period. At that stage, nothing was more important than standing by both Kara and the babies.

What would you say to another dad who is just beginning the Neonatal journey?

Donald: I would tell another dad to ask for resources and support. The biggest step is to ask for help, if and when you need it! Another thing I’d say, is to know that this is just a period in your family’s journey. Finally, the best thing you can do is to be present but know that the best is yet to come! 

Michael: I would tell another dad to take each day as it comes and to be as present as possible. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but your calm presence can make a big difference for both your baby and your partner. Be there for her in every way you can whether it’s asking the doctors questions, sitting with her through the long hours at the hospital, or simply reassuring her when the weight of it all feels too much. Don’t be afraid to lean on the doctors and nurses for guidance, and trust in the strength of your little one. Most importantly, know that it’s okay to feel scared, but hold on to hope. These early days are incredibly hard, but being there for both your partner and your baby is one of the most important things you can do as a father. 

How are you and your sons doing now? A photo of your son, then and now, would be beautiful to see!

Donald: Our little family is doing really well! My partner recovered from Postpartum Psychosis and 4 years later, Mumford & Murphy are thriving despite being premature. They have caught up to all their milestones and NICU is now a small part of our big journey together.

Michael: Today, Rylan and Liam are 17 years old, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young men they’ve become. We’ve built a bond over the years that is grounded in love, respect, and shared experiences, and I cherish the time I have with them. Looking back to those early days in the NICU, it’s incredible to see how far they’ve come. From such a fragile start to the confident, capable young men they are today, being their dad is one of my greatest blessings.