Trent Richardson's introduction to fatherhood was traumatic.
His baby boy Archie was delivered via emergency caesarean, separated from his mother shortly after birth and flown to Brisbane, where he spent more than two months in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
"I was freaking out, to see the little fella wrapped up in cords and [I was] so scared," Mr Richardson said.
"It was a bit of a bombshell dropped on us … You sort of go, 'Why me?'"
The August 2025 birth of his firstborn inspired the central Queensland musician, now aged 25, to pen a heartfelt ballad about his experience in a bid to connect to other parents navigating the NICU.
Mr Richardson said since the song's recent release, he'd had "a lot of love" from other families who had experienced the NICU.
"I got told to go and do a bit of therapy … but I'm lucky enough to be able to write songs and sing," he said.
"I just knew that a lot of other people out there will be able to relate."
Archie, now one, was diagnosed in the NICU with the rare condition septo-optic dysplasia, which Mr Richardson said has caused him to have issues with his brain, vision and co-ordination.
His partner Gabby Nielsen said the NICU was overwhelming and she was proud of how Mr Richardson had managed fatherhood so far.
"He's the best dad. I could not ask for a better dad for our little boy."
One in five babies need special care
Brisbane obstetrician, gynaecologist and University of Queensland researcher Alka Kothari has been researching fathers and partners who have experienced birth trauma.
Dr Alka said nationally, about one in five babies need to be admitted to special care or neonatal intensive care nurseries, while there were unexpected complications in about one third of pregnancies.
"These events have a significant impact on the mental health of fathers and partners," she said, noting even normal births can be traumatic.
Dr Kothari said peer support was extremely important.
"Nothing is more powerful than another dad saying to you, 'Hey, I went through the same thing. You'll get through this,'" she said.
Dr Kothari said while having a baby was a family event, fathers often had limited support from the medical system.
In partnership with fathers and non-birthing parents with birth trauma, she has designed four best practice principles to improve their care.
They included better engagement with healthcare professionals, recognition that partners were also users of perinatal services, providing educational opportunities to help advocate for their partner and baby, as well as mental health screening and support.
"This is what our consumers [families] are wanting from us [health professionals], and this really needs to happen if we're going to take care of our mums and their babies."
Archie a 'clever little boy'
As Mr Richardson celebrates Father's Day, he reflected on how far his family had come.
"My partner and I were looking through photos and seeing just how unwell he was … he'll still have these challenges," he said.
"But he's one clever little boy. He's a little unit.
"He can find his spoon and his dummy and he zips around."
Mr Richardson said he was extremely grateful for his partner Gabby and the healthcare staff who cared for Archie in the NICU.
"I remember those faces … without those people, my little fella wouldn't be here," he said.
"If it was 50 years ago, he wouldn't have made it. I'm very grateful."
