Dad Max and neonatologist Dr. Matt Buckingham join Maggie & Sarah today. Max and his partner Mathilde were anticipating a beautiful home birth, like the one they experienced with their older son, Diego.

Their world was turned upside down when Manaia arrived early weighing 620g. Max tells the powerful story of their 167-day stay in Christchurch NICU, and his experiences as a Dad trying to make sense of a world he knew nothing about and "where nothing is normal".

He talks about the rollercoaster of emotions he felt, from fear to pride; as well as the impact of not having control of what is happening; reclaiming stolen moments; and the importance of making more space for families to parent together in the unit.

Ngā mihi nui Max, Mathilde, Diego and Manaia for sharing your journey with us.

Maggie & Sarah are joined by Amy Castle, the Kaiwhakahaere Matua of PADA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa, whose firstborn son, Abel was delivered at 30 weeks after a pregnancy that was not going to plan.

Amy tells us about the lead up; delivery; NICU and SCBU experience, and how challenging it was reintegrating into the outside world with a little one with ongoing health challenges.

Throughout this kōrero, we talk a lot about communication - what's too much; what's too little; and how to avoid misunderstandings.

Amy shares her journey: from going from being someone who would not ask questions because she was too scared of the answers she might hear - to understanding how to advocate for herself and her whānau in a way that worked for her.

Find out more about the important work that PADA do at Home - PADA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa

Today, Maggie and Sarah welcome Hamish Mepham to the studio to talk about parenting your pēpē during tough times in hospital and at home.

Hamish is a social worker and Clinical Services Director at Home and Family, a Christchurch charity that supports families to be safe, successful, and nurture everyone's potential.

In this episode of One in Ten, Hamish talks about gently growing your skills as a parent and shares tips and tools for neonatal families as they build strong foundations for their families.