Chatting with Brazilian Maternity Psychologist Vanessa Santana!

I’m so excited to share something with you: on June 17th at 14h (Brazil) / 19h (Switzerland) I’ll be live on Instagram with Vanessa Santana, a Brazilian psychologist who has been supporting mothers through the emotional ups and downs of maternity for years.

Usually, I’m the one asking the questions — but this time, the tables have turned. I’ll be in the hot seat, sharing what it really means to navigate pregnancy and motherhood abroad.

What we’ll talk about

  • Cultural differences: how different countries shape our experience of motherhood.

  • Emotional highs and lows: the joys and challenges of raising kids far from home.

  • Practical tips: little things that make expat motherhood smoother (and less lonely).

And of course, a few funny stories — like the time I tried to survive a pediatrician appointment in a language I barely spoke.

Photo sent by a reader in Brazil.

Photo sent by a reader in Brazil.

Why this matters

Motherhood abroad is often painted as picture‑perfect. The truth? It’s messy, tender, and full of moments no one prepares you for. That’s why I wrote Maternity Abroad, now being read in 13 countries — to share stories and give other mothers the support I once needed.

👉 Mark your calendar: June 17th. Join us live in Portuguese on Instagram.

Bring your questions, your curiosity, or just yourself. I can’t wait to see you there.


Other Publications

Fifteen Minutes at a Time follows Emily and Daniel under the rain‑soaked arches of Waterloo Bridge, where routine turns into connection and glances say more than words.

This short story is free to read — a little escape into tenderness and possibility.

🌍 Parenting abroad isn’t just logistics — it’s identity, belonging, and the quiet work of building a home away from home. Parenting Unpacked is here to hold your hand through it.

✨ Coming soon — sign up to be the first to know.


Jessica Gabrielzyk

Jessica Gabrielzyk is a Brazilian author living in Switzerland, passionate about culture, identity, and the hidden truths of expat life. She is the author of Maternity Abroad, a practical and emotional guide supporting mothers through the challenges of pregnancy and birth far from home, and the upcoming Parenting Unpacked: This Is Not a Relocation Manual, which explores identity, belonging, and resilience in raising children abroad.

A member of SIETAR, Jessica brings a global lens to her writing, blending personal experience with the stories of families worldwide. And sometimes, she steps into fiction, writing love and life stories that remind us we’re never as alone as we think.

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