In this episode of Raising with the Village, we hear from Liam, the first father to join the podcast and share his unique journey into parenthood.

Liam’s daughter arrived in the world in an unexpected and urgent situation — and within hours, both she and his partner had to be transferred to another hospital. What followed was a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a place many parents never anticipate visiting — especially as a co-parent trying to find his footing.

Liam speaks about:

• what it feels like to become a dad from the sidelines,
• navigating the shock and uncertainty of a medical emergency,
• the emotional and practical reality of early parenthood when your baby is in intensive care,
• and how community support made a difference along the way.

This episode also highlights important ways families are supported during NICU stays — from milk donation and food provision, to accommodation programs like Ronald McDonald House.

In This Episode We Cover

• The experience of being a co-parent during a birth emergency
• Life with a newborn in the NICU
• The emotional and practical challenges of finding a role as a new dad
• Breast milk donation and why it matters
• Supporting families with food during long hospital stays
• Ronald McDonald House programs that help families stay close to their hospitalised child
• Community, resilience, and connection in early parenthood

Resources & Links Mentioned

Breast Milk Donation

Donating breast milk can have a massive impact on premature and medically vulnerable babies cared for in NICUs. If you’re interested in learning more or donating, resources include:
• UK Association for Milk Banking – find a milk bank near you and learn how to donate breast milk: https://ukamb.org/find-a-milk-bank/

• UK Human Milk Bank – information on donating and supporting donor milk: https://ukamb.org/

• The Hearts Milk Bank (Human Milk Foundation) – supports donor milk for neonates and families: https://humanmilkfoundation.org/hearts-milk-bank/

Food Support for NICU Families

While there isn’t a single universal link, many hospitals and charities offer meal programs or community support for families staying long hours near NICUs. One example is:
• “Meals from the Heart” at Ronald McDonald House locations – family rooms offering meals, support, and shared space for NICU families: https://www.rmhcnym.org/feeding-families-with-meals-from-the-heart/

Ronald McDonald House Charities (Support Accommodation & Family Services)

These charities help families stay close to their sick or hospitalised children by providing accommodation and other support services near major children’s hospitals:
• Ronald McDonald House Charities (global info & how to support): https://rmhc.org/get-involve

💛 Raising with the Village

This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood.
New episodes every Thursday!

🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/
📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage
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If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.