#9 Intensive care with a newborn

Sam and Mel's youngest boy Otis didn't have the easiest start to life, but like his mum and dad, he's a fighter. In this episode, Sam recalls Otis' birth in 2020. Amidst COVID, an epidural was delayed and by the time it was ready, Mel was in deep labour. Distressed, Otis required resuscitation and life support in taking his first breath. 

Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retrieval (PIPER) intervened and Otis was taken to the Monash where a cooling trial saved him over the following five days. After an incredibly emotional journey, Otis' MRI was positive and Sam and Mel were finally able to take Otis home to his big brothers.

More about PIPER: https://www.rch.org.au/piper/

Information about perinatal depression and awareness: www.panda.org.au/awareness/pnda-awareness-week 

About Dadfocals: 

This is the show where we look at life through the lens of a dad! We're no experts and we're not here to offer advice; we're here to exchange stories on the triumphs and tribulations of dadding. Sam is dad to three boys Sonny, Vann and Otis. And Tom is dad to three girls Bela, Ettie and Maeve. Remember, if you have any questions, suggestions or want to discuss any triggers; you can reach us @dadfocals on the socials and dadfocals@gmail.com on the email – links in the show notes. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and all that rad dad stuff. Remember, we’re all just dads, doing our best. No pressures, no guilts, just a lotta love and talk. If you’re struggling with anything, reach out to someone – a problem shared is a problem halved.