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.

Jessica Gabrielzyk

Jessica Gabrielzyk is a Brazilian writer living in Switzerland. She writes about identity, migration, and the person you become when the life you built no longer fits the person you are. She is the author of Maternity Abroad, Parenting Unpacked, and My First American Coloring Book. A novel is in progress. If you are new here, Start Here is the best place to begin.

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

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