MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo reveals how difficult it was welcoming his son Alfie, two, who was born eight weeks premature
Jock Zonfrillo has spoken candidly about how difficult it was following his son Alfie’s premature birth in 2018.
The MasterChef judge, 44, shared a post to Instagram on Tuesday, revealing his son spent five weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after he was born eight weeks early.
‘Our family took a moment this morning to acknowledge a day that we hope most families don’t have to think about – World Prematurity Day,’ Jock wrote.
Candid: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo (pictured) has revealed how difficult it was welcoming his son Alfie, two, who was born eight weeks premature
He continued: ‘Our little Alfie was born two months early, weighed 1.2kgs, and spent the first 5 weeks of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit. He’s now a happy healthy little boy, just the same as most other 2.5 year olds.’
‘Those very difficult weeks sometimes feel like a lifetime ago, and on days like today feel very vivid to us,’ he said.
Jock went on to urge his followers to reach out to anyone who has struggled with a premature birth.
‘If you know any families who have lost their little ones through prematurity or stillborn, for those who are in NICU now, living with the impact of prematurity, or are lucky enough to have their healthy bub at home with them, reach out to them today.’
‘Those were very difficult weeks’: The MasterChef judge shared a post to Instagram, revealing his son (pictured) spent five weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after he was born eight weeks early
Jock continued: ‘When Alfie was in NICU we were given some words of advice from other parents and midwives, and learnt some along the way ourselves.’
‘Take one day at a time, don’t look too far in front or worry about the future, just enjoy each moment you can cuddle or touch your little one.’
‘There’s no need to feel guilty if you’re not by their bed 24/7. Life keeps moving forward and sometimes you just need a night on the couch at home or to sleep in, that’s ok,’ Jock wrote.
‘Reach out to them today’: Jock went on to urge his followers to reach out to anyone who has struggled with a premature birth. Pictured Alfie and Jock’s wife Lauren Zonfrillo
Wedding bells: Jock married Lauren, his third wife, in 2017, and often shares loved-up photos of the pair to his Instagram page
Jock shares his son Alfie with his wife Lauren Zonfrillo. The couple welcomed their second child, daughter Isla Generosa, earlier this month.
He married Lauren, his third wife, in 2017, and often shares loved-up photos of the pair to his Instagram page.
The Melbourne-based chef also has two teenage daughters from previous marriages, Ava, 19, and Sophia, 14.
Growing family: Jock shares his son Alfie with his wife Lauren Zonfrillo. The couple welcomed their second child, daughter Isla Generosa (pictured), earlier this month