Pregnant in a Foreign Country? Read This First
Source: 9gag
So, you’re expecting a baby while living in a foreign land? Maybe it’s planned, or perhaps life surprised you. Either way, you’re probably imagining an Instagram-worthy experience—gracefully navigating prenatal care, breezing through local birthing practices, and mastering postpartum customs like a pro. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, let’s hit pause and talk about the real experience: it’s a wild, unpredictable, and sometimes messy adventure.
My Story: From Instagram Dream to Real-Life Challenges
When I first thought about having a child abroad, I envisioned myself as a super mom, fully prepared for anything. Spoiler alert: reality had other plans! While I had incredible friends who offered their best advice, their experiences didn’t always match mine. Whether it was because they gave birth in different countries or simply had different circumstances, there were moments when I felt completely unprepared.
Like the time I underestimated costs and ended up with a hospital bill that made my jaw drop. Or the time I didn’t know about parental leave rights and missed out on valuable extra help in those early weeks. These stories (and more!) inspired me to write “Maternity Abroad: Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land.”
The Rollercoaster of Becoming a Parent Abroad
The Unexpected Surprises
Navigating Healthcare Systems
Imagine ordering coffee in a foreign language—now swap "coffee" for "prenatal care." Yep, it’s just as tricky. Every country has its quirks, and finding the right doctor or birthing plan can feel like solving a puzzle.Adjusting to Local Birthing Practices
Dreaming of a water birth? In some countries, that’s as rare as spotting a unicorn. Adapting to local norms often means letting go of expectations and being open to surprises.Postpartum Traditions
Did you know that steaming with herbs post-birth is a sacred tradition in some cultures? Navigating postpartum customs can be fascinating but also challenging.and much more.
Photo sent by a reader in Brazil!
Why This Book Is Different
There are books about pregnancy.
There are books about expat life.
But few speak directly to the intersection where they meet — the messy, tender, empowering reality of becoming a parent far from “home.”
Maternity Abroad is written from lived experience. It’s equal parts guidebook and comfort read, designed to make you feel less alone and more equipped — whether you’re preparing to give birth or already knee-deep in diapers.
Sneak Peek: Want the First 40 Pages?
I’d love to share the beginning of the journey with you — totally free. 💌 You can find it here!
A Sneak Peek at What’s Next
Psst...I’m already working on my second book! My next book, Parenting Unpacked: This Is Not a Relocation Manual, dives even deeper into raising kids across cultures. If Maternity Abroad was about birth and beginning, Parenting Unpacked is about the long haul — identity, belonging, and the quiet courage of building a life in between worlds.
It took a while to get approved, but we made it! My official Amazon Author page is now up and running — with a multilingual bio and space to follow new releases, wherever you are in the world.