S2E10: Wayne Ratajczak - The importance of kangaroo care and connecting with other Dads

In today’s episode, we meet Wayne Ratajczak — a then first-time dad whose daughter Emily spent 12 weeks in the NICU. For Wayne, skin-to-skin care wasn’t just bonding time; it became a vital part of Emily’s development and his connection with her. The more he held her, the more he saw how important that closeness was and how stable she became. 

Inside the NICU, Wayne took on everything he could and did as much of Emily’s cares as he could. Fortunately for him, his workplace was incredibly supportive, giving him the chance to spend as much time in the hospital as possible.

During those 12 weeks, life outside the NICU completely faded away. Friends and family struggled to understand just how consuming that world can be. But for Wayne, the sense of community within the NICU made all the difference — especially connecting with other dads who truly “got it.”

In our chat, Wayne opens up about the emotional challenges of trying not to compare other babies, learning instead to celebrate Emily’s own milestones and journey. 

Wayne also reflects on life after the NICU — the hesitation around having another child, and how the entire experience changed him as a dad and as a person.