Pregnant in a Foreign Country? Read This First

Source: 9gag

Whether becoming a mom abroad was part of your plan or life’s surprise, you probably imagined a smooth journey — routine checkups, supportive care, and comforting traditions

But here’s the truth: Becoming a mother in a foreign country is rarely effortless. It’s beautiful, yes — but also disorienting, lonely, and filled with moments you never see on Instagram.

Why I Wrote Maternity Abroad

When I pictured having a baby abroad, I thought I’d be ready. I wasn’t.

I stumbled through confusing healthcare systems, faced unexpected bills, and discovered maternity leave policies the hard way. Friends tried to help, but their stories didn’t match mine.

That gap — between the life we imagine and the one we live — is what led me to write Maternity Abroad: Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land.

📖 This Book Isn’t a Checklist. It’s a Lifeline.

It’s a real companion for moms navigating one of life’s most vulnerable transitions — far from home. Built on real stories, it explores:

  • How local systems reshape your idea of “care”

  • Cultural expectations around birth and recovery

  • The experience of parenting without your usual support network

  • How to find your strength when everything feels foreign


💌 Start Reading — Free

Download the first 40 pages of Maternity Abroad — no strings attached.

Click Here

What’s Next?

If Maternity Abroad is about beginnings, my next book, Parenting Unpacked, explores what comes after: the identity shifts, the quiet grief, and the deep resilience of raising kids across cultures.

Because motherhood abroad isn’t just about surviving — it’s about becoming.



Jessica Gabrielzyk

Jessica Gabrielzyk writes about the messy, magical, and often misunderstood moments of life abroad — from giving birth in a foreign hospital to helping toddlers color their way through culture shock. Originally from Brazil, she has lived on three continents, parented in three languages, and now calls Switzerland home with her husband, child, and a dog who has more stamps in her passport than most adults.

Her books, including Maternity Abroad, Parenting Unpacked, and My First American Coloring Book, are heartfelt, honest, and rooted in real global experience. She is a proud member of the Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR) and believes storytelling is the one language that truly travels.

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Behind the Scenes with Luciana Gomide: Final Touches on “Maternity Abroad”

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