Maternity Abroad
Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land
For women navigating pregnancy far from home—and determined to do it well.
You’re pregnant. And you’re doing it somewhere that isn’t yours yet.
The doctors speak differently. The system works differently. The women around you seem to know things nobody wrote down.
And in the quiet moments, one question keeps surfacing: Am I missing something important?
Available as eBook and PaperbackAvailable on Amazon. Secure checkout. Ships globally.
Book Description
THIS BOOK EXISTS BECAUSE MOST WOMEN IN YOUR POSITION FIGURE IT OUT TOO LATE.
By the time the right questions become clear, the moment to ask them has already passed.
Maternity Abroad was written by an immigrant mother who learned—sometimes the hard way—how to read an unfamiliar system, ask what actually matters, and stand behind her decisions.
This book is that map. There is no other one like it.
WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY WALK AWAY WITH
The ability to tell the difference between cultural practice and medical necessity — so you stop second-guessing which is which
A clear way to navigate foreign healthcare: what to ask, what to push back on, what to let go
Language and tools to advocate for yourself and your baby — even when you’re not fluent in the system
A steadier relationship with uncertainty — so the unknown stops feeling like a threat
Decisions that belong to you — not to the country, the doctor, or the expectation
This Book Is For You If…
You’re not looking for reassurance. You’re looking for clarity.
You want to understand what’s actually happening — not just be told everything will be fine.
You’re far from home, but you refuse to be far from yourself.
WHAT READERS SAY
“Excuse me, Jessica, but I had to send you a private message to say that I read your book and I even recommended it and worked with it alongside two patients I was supporting! I couldn’t leave this unsaid. It felt important to me as an immigrant woman—I was pregnant at the time […] I also realized it had an impact and led to real changes among the women I was supporting. Congratulations on the book and on your way of writing 🥰” - Intercultural psychologist in Australia via DM
“Loved her style and sensibility in writing !” - Reader in the United States via Amazon
“I Love the way that Jessica Gabrielzk approach maternity, it is a practical funny and very helpful book. Love all the tools and tips given. Been a mum in a foreign country isn't an easy task, I discovered on this book really good insights and a big help on this journey.” - Carolina in Australia via Goodreads
“Maternity Abroad is an incredible resource, not just for information and practical support, but most importantly, for comfort.” - Reader in The Netherlands via Goodreads
“Expectant mothers who are considering moving overseas or who are already there will find your guide to be an extensive and helpful resource! It covers several themes that are important to know when managing pregnancy in foreign cultural and medical environments. Designed to accompany moms through the joys and trials of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood in a new location, your guide is simply jam-packed with useful advice, expert interviews, and resources! As someone who is about to embark on this journey in the very near future, I found this so insightful!” - Yohanna in the United Kingdom via email
“I bought your book It hasn’t arrived yet I’m really looking forward to it ♥️ My partner and I are moving to the United States in 2026, and I plan to get pregnant soon after we arrive. I really hope the book helps me, because the topic fits me perfectly.” - Reader n Brazil via DM
“I CRIED WHILE READING MATERNITY ABROAD. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING 💕” - Maria in Australia via DM
“Everything is so relatable! I’m currently 21 weeks pregnant, and living in my second country since the beginning of this journey. My husband and I moved from Luxembourg to the US only three weeks ago, so we have been navigating everything—medical appointments, common practices, health insurance, exams, tests, etc—for the second time in a row. We are also both foreigners, him from India and me from Brazil, so the health systems and cultures are not familiar to either of us.” - Ana in the United States via email
“I was really engaged in the reading and I found it VERY useful for the moms-to-be. Of course, it aims specially moms who live abroad—as the name already says—but I felt that lots of the information you shared can be used for moms even when they are in their home country. Maybe they live away from their own family, maybe they can`t count with a huge network-- or even if they do--there are some practical suggestions here for moms all over the globe.” - Josie in Greece via email
“The book Maternity Abroad helps a lot to clear out those doubts. It is good for you to already have an idea. Let us suppose you are thinking about getting pregnant abroad, right. You have this dream of being a mother. So it is a very interesting supporting book that I wanted to leave here.” - Adriana Benfica, Casei com um Gringo page, via IG story
“I absolutely loved this book! It’s packed with practical tips and insightful real-life stories that make the lessons easy to understand and apply. The simplicity of the writing makes it an enjoyable and accessible read, without compromising on depth or value. Whether you're looking for inspiration or actionable advice, this book delivers. Highly recommend!” - Diana Pineda via Google Books
You already know this matters. That’s why you’re here.
Get the book.
Trusted by Mothers Navigating Pregnancy Abroad in 15+ Countries
From expat and immigrant mothers in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and beyond, Maternity Abroad has become a trusted resource for navigating pregnancy and birth in unfamiliar systems.
"Maternity Abroad is a bestseller in many countries." — JOURNALIST MARIA EVANA KENS, CORAGEM MAGAZINE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Maternity Abroad is for anyone expecting a baby while living in a foreign country — whether you’re pregnant, planning to conceive, or navigating early postpartum life abroad.
It’s especially useful for:
Expats and internationally mobile families
Immigrants and binational couples
Digital nomads starting families abroad
Anyone facing pregnancy or childbirth in an unfamiliar healthcare system
This book is not a general parenting manual. It focuses on the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience abroad, helping you navigate:
Medical systems and prenatal care
Birth planning in a foreign language or culture
Legal paperwork and citizenship questions
Emotional well-being while far from home
If you’re looking for support with raising children across cultures, check out the companion title:
📘 Parenting Unpacked: The Untold Emotional Journey of Raising Kids Abroad
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Unlike medical manuals or general parenting books, Maternity Abroad offers an emotionally honest and culturally sensitive look at the experience of becoming a mother in a foreign country. It blends real-life stories with practical guidance, making it both informative and comforting — perfect for anyone facing the emotional and logistical challenges of pregnancy abroad.
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The book explores:
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care in international settings
Expat motherhood and navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems
Cultural differences in parenting and birth practices
Citizenship, documentation, and legal rights for the baby
Isolation, culture shock, and maternal mental health support
Building a support network far from family
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Yes! Even experienced mothers face new and unexpected challenges when raising a child abroad. This book validates those experiences and offers fresh tools for navigating international motherhood.
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No. While it draws from Jessica Gabrielzyk’s personal journey, the book also includes stories from dozens of mothers around the world, as well as expert insights from intercultural psychologists, midwives, pediatricians, and doulas. It’s built to reflect the diversity of the expat parenting experience.
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Yes — informally.
For healthcare and intercultural professionals, the book is often shared as complementary reading for patients navigating maternity abroad.
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Jessica Gabrielzyk is a writer and researcher specializing in expat parenting, intercultural transitions, and emotional well-being. She lives in Switzerland and is a member of SIETAR (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research). Her books — including Parenting Unpacked and My First American Coloring Book — have reached readers in more than 15 countries across five continents and are praised for their emotional depth, cultural relevance, and practical support.
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The book is available in both print and digital formats:
Amazon (Paperback & Kindle)
Google Play
Kobo
Available internationally with global shipping options.
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Yes. Portuguese-speaking readers can explore the companion title by the same author: Maternidade no Exterior: Tornando-se Mãe no Estrangeiro.
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Yes — and it’s one of the book’s defining features. Maternity Abroad gently explores the emotional experience of becoming a mother far from home: navigating isolation during pregnancy, missing your usual support systems, and adapting to unfamiliar healthcare practices and cultural expectations.
It offers validation, comfort, and emotional clarity during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions — helping readers feel less alone, better understood, and more confident in their journey.
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Absolutely. Maternity Abroad makes a thoughtful and supportive gift for a friend, colleague, or loved one who is expecting a baby while living in a foreign country. Whether they’re an expat, immigrant, or part of a binational couple, the book provides practical insights and emotional comfort during a uniquely challenging time. It’s especially appreciated at baby showers for international families.
Technical Info
Title: Maternity Abroad: Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land
Author: Jessica Gabrielzyk
Publisher: Keep It Simple Publishing
Publication Date: November 24, 2024
Language: English
Print Length: 200 pages
ISBN-10: 297018480X
ISBN-13: 978-2970184805
Dimensions: 15.24 x 1.07 x 22.86 cm
Format: Paperback
Customer Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0 out of 5 stars)
Availability: Amazon
Ebook
Title: Maternity Abroad: Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land
Author: Jessica Gabrielzyk
Publisher: Keep It Simple Publishing
Edition: 1st Edition
Publication Date: November 28, 2024
Language: English
Format: eBook (Kindle)
ASIN: B0DP9SYP1B
File Size: 4.0 MB
Print Length: 207 pages
ISBN-13: 978-2970184812
Accessibility: Screen Reader Supported, Enhanced Typesetting, Page Flip, Word Wise Enabled
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Availability: Amazon