S11 E141: Calling All NICU Dads of Big Families ft. Scott Whitaker
Release Date: 03/04/2026
NICU Babies Parent Support
Dr. Sheehan Fisher’s entire career has been focused on the mothers and fathers unique contributions to the family and child health, with a specialization in the emerging field of father mental health. As a clinical psychologist at Northwestern, he has a heart for helping dads understand the effects of psychosocial stress on their mood, parenting, and ultimately infant/child health outcomes. His expert advice and wisdom will be a gift to dads who listen. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker | | 💚 Connect with Sheehan Fisher X: Facebook: ...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
With a military career that spans more than 20 years, Adam Wood thought his training would prepare him for a NICU stay. While there were some similarities, he discovered that learning and advocacy were in his new battle plans as he supported his wife and their miracle baby. That newfound role instilled a strong desire in Adam to author books for NICU families, as well as provide much-needed levity on social media. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker | | 💚 Connect with Adam Wood | | | 📺Socials 📺...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
When Aaron’s (then) wife developed pre-eclampsia and was ushered to the hospital in an ambulance, he quickly found himself the dad of a 29-weeker. He was wholly unprepared for the sleeplessness, the worry and the cadence of the NICU. In this episode, he shares what he did to rediscover his mental health, how he’s navigating co-parenting with his ex-wife, the hallmarks of his best NICU days and how fatherhood has reframed his career as a professional chef. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker | | 💚 Connect with Aaron Vasquez | ...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
Identical quadruplet girls + 2 other children, all under 6? If there’s a dad that gets multiples and all that comes with it, it’s engineer and dad of quads, Jonathan Sandhu. In this episode, Jonathan shares how he reconciled best-case and worst-case scenarios with his wife and the babies, the hilarious difference between mom and dad online support groups, how he integrated work, family and life and the phone call that changed his perspective. If you’ve ever wondered how a NICU dad of multiples leans into the chaos, this one’s for you. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker ...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
Dads of big families, welcome to the group chat. Fundraiser and father of 6, including two NICU babies, Scott Whitaker shares how he embraced his role as a NICU dad, his clutch advice for other NICU dads (big or small families) and his honest reaction when his wife said she wanted to have another baby after their 44-day NICU stay. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker | | 💚 Connect with Scott Whitaker | 📺Socials 📺 | | | 🔗Links Hand to Hold podcast, Hand to Hold podcast, ...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
There are so many resources for NICU moms, but what about the dads, the grandfathers, the uncles and the men of the NICU? This season is all about them - their perspectives, their experiences, how they supported their partners, wives, grandkids and friends. The NICU affects an entire family and it’s time to introduce the guys to the group chat. Our guests include dads of quads, NICU cuddlers, rare disease dads, micropreemie dads, mental health advocates and more. Their stories are varied and we hope that something they’ve learned will resonate with you and the men in your life who have had...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
In this episode, pediatrician and creator Dr. Mona Amin (@PedsDocTalk) shares her path into medicine, why patient connection is important to her and how she built a meaningful presence on social media. Dr. Amin opens up about her own emotional NICU journey, sharing what she wishes she had known as a new parent and how that experience transformed the way she supports families today. Together, we explore everything from NICU guilt, milestones, and medical overwhelm to what truly empowers parents as they advocate for their babies—both in the hospital and long after they go home. 💚...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
Giving birth trauma a voice. Doula and advocate HeHe Stewart explores the emotional journey of NICU parents and the unseen wounds of traumatic birth experiences in this episode. From redefining advocacy to helping families find healing even in survival mode, HeHe shares powerful insights, personal stories, and practical support for those navigating life after the NICU. Whether you're a parent, partner, or professional, this conversation sheds light on the resilience, grief, and hope that shape the path to recovery. 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker | ...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
Special needs mom, Kelly Mantoan, a mother of five and advocate for families raising children with disabilities, gives some solid advice to parents. Two of her children have spinal muscular atrophy and she candidly shares the challenges, surprises, and moments of grace from her early NICU and diagnosis days, offering wisdom on friendship, confidence, faith, and what she wishes she’d known at the start. 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker | | 💚 Connect with the guest, Kelly Mantoan | | | ...
info_outlineNICU Babies Parent Support
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a medical bill, this episode is for you. Jules Nowak—NICU parent and founder of The Medical Bill Academy—talks about the often-overlooked financial side of a NICU stay. From surprise bills to navigating insurance denials, Jules shares her personal journey through a 73-day NICU experience and the lessons that inspired her to help other families protect their financial health. 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker | | 💚 Connect with the guest, Jules Nowak | 🔗 to resources : What...
info_outlineDads of big families, welcome to the group chat. Fundraiser and father of 6, including two NICU babies, Scott Whitaker shares how he embraced his role as a NICU dad, his clutch advice for other NICU dads (big or small families) and his honest reaction when his wife said she wanted to have another baby after their 44-day NICU stay.
💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker
Instagram | Facebook | Website
💚 Connect with Scott Whitaker
📺Socials 📺
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
🔗Links
Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 100: Real or Filtered? Sharing Your NICU Story on Social Media
Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 72: Mental Health, Why We Said Yes to Marriage Counseling
Music
Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license