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  In this episode, Sara talks with Rebecca Blankinship about how she pivoted from global travel and cross-cultural awareness to parenting and childbirth support—and did it as a single mom. Rebecca shares how she recognized her passions, how parenting traditions in other cultures inform the work she does today and she gives some easy self-care tips for new parents. Offering a continuum of care from preconception to parenting, Rebecca Blankinship has been described as a life doula, holding space and helping her clients tap into their innate wisdom and strength from preparing to become a parent, all the way through parenting.   Sara and Rebecca discuss: Rebecca's career path Hosting exchange students in high school Visiting Turkey Studying Near Eastern Languages a Civilizations Working with J-1 Trainee Visa Sponsorships Working as an international flight attendant Starting to formulate a vision for her own, cross-cultural awareness business Using her 30th birthday as a significant milestone Leading her first trip to Tanzania Falling in love with her business partner Getting pregnant Ending the relationship with her daughter's father Moving in with her mom Starting to see her deep passion for parenting and childbirth Becoming a doula Realizing that the first mom she supported suffered from severe postpartum depression Noticing that she wanted to provide a continuum of care Getting more support and training How her experience in cross-cultural understanding informs the work she does now with parents The freedom we have in the U.S. of incorporating aspects of other cultures into our own Coaching people to create their own traditions Rebecca's support systems How she distinguishes between her passions and her interests Noticing when she's in her "flow" Noticing when she's blocked from moving forward Rebecca's passion for communication and healthy, integrated systems of care Moments of self-doubt A powerful piece of advice she received The importance of mentors What it means to be "on track" Rebecca's resource recommendations: Her sister, Heather Fantin's, inner circle group coaching program, Soul on Fire Joyful Courage podcast from Casey O'Roarty The Four Agreements (book) by Don Miguel Ruiz The Million Person Project (storytelling coaches) Her upcoming workshops at the International Childbirth Education Association Conference in April Simple self-care techniques for new parents Mindfulness tips One piece of advice for new moms who also have a career ambition The importance of getting rid of the "shoulds" and just being   Connect with Rebecca: Website: www.rebeccablankinship.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevateparenting   Rebecca's full bio: Offering a continuum of care from preconception to parenting, Rebecca Blankinship has been described as a life doula, holding space and helping her clients tap into their innate wisdom and strength from preparing to become a parent, all the way through parenting. Rebecca is an internationally certified Childbirth Educator, a birth doula, a certified postpartum doula, an infant massage instructor, positive discipline parent education, and The Gottman Institute's 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader and Bringing Baby Home Educator. Through her business, Mama Nunu, Rebecca combines all of these areas into one-on-one coaching for parents to not just survive this time period, but look back at it as the best time of their lives.