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.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Hear how a 20-year military veteran draws powerful parallels between combat readiness and navigating the uncertainty of a NICU stay
- Learn what the IVF journey felt like from a father’s perspective and the emotional weight many men carry silently
- Understand the fear and urgency surrounding a 25-week delivery after complications, and what those first moments in the NICU were really like
- Discover how the hospital helped prepare (and where preparation fell short) for life inside the NICU
- Gain insight into supporting a partner through high-risk pregnancy, early delivery, and the emotional toll that follows
- Explore NICU-related PTSD, the role of storytelling and writing in healing, and advice every NICU dad—especially veterans—should hear
About the guest
Adam is a retired U.S. Army veteran, micropreemie dad, author, and founder of Preemie Adventures. In 2021, Adam’s son, Brady, was born at 25 weeks old weighing 1 lbs. 4 oz. He spent 135 days in NICU alongside his wife as his son fought to come home. While he was in the NICU; Adam read countless books to his son. However, he noticed that there were not any children’s books about prematurity or the NICU for families. So, in 2021, he wrote the children’s book, “Our Preemie Adventure”, so families could bond better with children in or out of the NICU. He partnered soon after with real-life neonatologist Dr. Prem Fort to write two books together (Our Respiratory Adventure: A NICU Story and A NICU Christmas Adventure). The first books ever co-written by a neonatologist AND preemie parent. Their books use humor, heartfelt words, and education to help support NICU families worldwide. Adam also released in 2024, another solo book project called, “Monster NICU.” Adam uses his books, social media, and websites to help support NICU families in a variety of ways. He works to share experiences, interviews families and spread awareness through various media platforms about premature babies. His most recent focus on has been supporting dads and helping to share their viewpoint of life in and out of the NICU. He is currently a member of the NICU Parent Network, Family advisor on the Neonatal Research Network (NRN) Community Engagement Board and served as a Family Voices Advocate with Angel Eye Health.