In this week’s episode, we talk with Aaron Kartchner about fatherhood and what it’s like to be a non-stereotypical stay at home dad. Aaron’s first daughter was born extremely premature at 27 weeks resulting in a 135-day stay in the NICU. She was born weighing just one point 5.5 ounces. As a result, Aaron chose to step into the role of primary caretaker. Aaron discusses how parenting impacts self-identity, how he approaches gender roles and how much of the world is set up to support moms who are often the primary caretaker. We discuss the experience of parenting a child in the NICU and with special medical needs in her early months and Aaron gives us a lot of insights through his own stories about not just what it's like to be a NICU parent, but also how to show up and support those who are going through it.    In This Episode:    [ 2:24 ] Aaron’s introduction  [ 4:26 ] Aaron and his wife’s decision for him to become a stay at home dad [ 6:05 ] Transitioning from corporate America to being a stay at home parent [ 8:10 ] Aaron’s woodworking business [ 9:18 ] Highs and lows of stay at home parenting [ 10:46 ] Finding purpose and self-identity outside of parenting [ 12:27 ] Aaron defines what fatherhood means to him [ 14:38 ] Stereotypes of gender roles with parenting [ 18:05 ] Aaron shares his wife’s perspective and journey to step into parenting [ 21:29] How parenthood impacts self-identity [ 24:30 ] How his daughter being in the NICU changed Aaron’s perception of family planning [ 31:00 ] How being a ‘NICU parent’ shapes you as a parent [ 36:41 ] Aaron shares his wife’s traumatic birth story [ 45:15 ] Growing their family after the traumatic birth of their first child [ 46:26 ] Aaron defines family   Takeaways:    Our culture still has a long way to go with breaking down stereotypes related to gender roles and parenthood.  A person’s identity is often shaken when they become a parent. It can be really important to find things to enjoy outside of parenting to help give new purpose and identity.  Everyone’s journey in parenting and family-planning is different. Because of this it requires a great amount of sympathy, understanding, and respecting one’s privacy.  Having a child in the NICU – whether for a few hours or several months – changes your entire perspective on life. It gives a new appreciation to life and finding the beauty within it.    One of the best ways to support and help a parent with a child in the NICU is simply ask, “What do you need now?”   Links    http://www.stayathomewoodworks.com/    @stayathomewoodworks     https://www.facebook.com/StayAtHomeWoodworks/   Disclaimer:   The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them. The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of  professional relationship between the audience and presenters.  No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.