Becoming a mother is one of life’s most profound experiences—it’s exhilarating, transformative, and yes, a bit nerve-wracking. Now, imagine navigating this life-changing journey while living thousands of miles away from home, in a place where the language, customs, and healthcare systems might be entirely different. This is the reality for many expat moms, and it’s the heart of Jessica Gabrielzyk’s inspiring new book, Maternity Abroad: Becoming a Mother in a Foreign Land.
Navigating Pregnancy Away from Home
Jessica’s story is one of adventure and adaptability. Born in Brazil, she embraced the life of a global citizen, living in Australia for a decade before making her way through Portugal, Ireland, and finally settling in Switzerland. Each move brought new experiences and challenges, but perhaps none as significant as discovering she was pregnant while abroad.
She vividly recalls the first time she held a friend’s newborn baby—her eyes wide as saucers, holding the tiny bundle as if it were a ticking bomb. The thought of having her own child was both exciting and intimidating. Being far from her familiar support network added layers of complexity to an already overwhelming experience. Questions swirled: How would she navigate prenatal care? What were the local birthing practices? Would she understand the healthcare system? Embarking on motherhood in a foreign land felt like piecing together a baby-shaped puzzle without all the pieces.
But Jessica wasn’t alone. She found solace and support in a community of incredible women from all corners of the earth. These fellow expat moms shared their stories, advice, and encouragement, helping her navigate the unknowns. Their collective wisdom became an invaluable resource, and Jessica realized that other women could benefit from this shared knowledge.
Introducing “Maternity Abroad“: A Heartfelt Guide
Driven by her experiences, Jessica penned Maternity Abroad—the book she wished she’d had during her pregnancy. This heartfelt guide is designed to support new and expecting expat moms through the maze of pregnancy and early motherhood while living abroad. It’s packed with practical, easy-to-understand information on a wide range of topics:
- Prenatal Care: Understanding different healthcare systems, finding the right providers, and navigating appointments in a new language.
- Citizenship Rights: Exploring how citizenship works for babies born abroad and what legal steps are necessary.
- Birthing Practices: Learning about local customs, hospital procedures, and options for childbirth.
- Parental Leave Policies: Deciphering the laws and benefits available in the host country.
- Pediatric Healthcare: Ensuring your child receives the best care, from vaccinations to regular check-ups.
- Postpartum Support: Finding communities and resources to help during the crucial postpartum period.
What makes this guide truly special is the inclusion of personal stories and expert insights. Jessica collaborated with professionals in various fields and interviewed families from around the world—Japan, Africa, Australia, Europe, North America—you name it! These diverse perspectives provide a rich, global context that helps readers feel connected and understood.
Building a Global Community of Mothers
One of the most reassuring aspects of the book is how it fosters a sense of community. The stories from other mothers highlight the universal threads that tie all moms together, regardless of where they come from. The shared fears, the unexpected challenges, the small victories—these are experiences that resonate deeply.
Jessica’s friendly and conversational writing style makes readers feel like they’re chatting with a close friend. She doesn’t shy away from sharing her own vulnerabilities and lessons learned, which adds authenticity and warmth to the guide. Her genuine desire to support other mothers shines through every page, making the book feel like a comforting companion.
Why “Maternity Abroad” Matters
In today’s globalized world, more families are moving across borders than ever before. Whether for work, adventure, or personal reasons, starting a family away from home is becoming increasingly common. However, resources specifically tailored to the needs of expat moms can be scarce.
Maternity Abroad fills this gap beautifully. It’s not just a manual; it’s a companion that walks alongside you through every step of the journey. Jessica’s blend of practical advice and heartfelt storytelling offers both guidance and comfort. Readers will find themselves nodding along, laughing at relatable anecdotes, and perhaps shedding a tear at the touching moments shared.
Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of mothers everywhere. It reminds us that while becoming a mother can be overwhelming, especially in a foreign land, it’s also an opportunity to build new connections and discover hidden gems in unfamiliar places.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood is an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, and doing it in a foreign land adds a unique set of experiences. Jessica Gabrielzyk has created a resource that not only addresses the practical challenges but also speaks to the emotional side of being an expat mom. If you or someone you know is expecting a child while living abroad—or even just considering it—this book is a valuable addition to your library.
We had the privilege of interviewing Jessica Gabrielzyk. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi Jessica, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi there! I’m a Brazilian by birth, but I’ve been a global citizen for most of my life. After high school, I lived in Australia for ten years, then spent time hopping between Portugal, Ireland, and now Switzerland. I’m an author, a mom, and someone who loves finding hidden gems in every new place I call home.
Recently, I’ve poured my experiences into my book, Maternity Abroad, a guide for moms navigating the unique adventure of pregnancy and parenting in a foreign land. I also had the privilege of working with amazing professionals and interviewing families from all over the world — from Japan to Africa, Australia, Europe, North America — you name it!
Please tell us about your book.
Maternity Abroad is a heartfelt and practical guide designed to help moms navigate pregnancy and early motherhood while living abroad. It’s packed with advice on everything from understanding healthcare systems to citizenship rights, parental leave policies, and postpartum support.
The book also includes stories from mothers across the globe and insights from experts to help you feel less alone on this journey. It’s the book I wish I’d had when I was navigating pregnancy far from home. If you’re planning to move, already unpacked, or just curious about parenting in a different culture, this book is for you!
Please tell us about your journey.
My journey has been all about discovery and adaptation. I left Brazil after high school to study in Australia, where I spent ten years. Then, life took me to Europe, living in Portugal, Ireland, and now Switzerland. Each move brought new challenges, from understanding healthcare systems to finding community, but it also gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of motherhood experiences worldwide.
When I became pregnant while living abroad, I realized how much support I needed — and how hard it was to navigate without a local family network. This inspired me to write Maternity Abroad, so no mom has to feel as lost or alone as I did.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
• Building connections: Talking to other moms from different cultures taught me so much about resilience and adaptability.
• Staying curious: Each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Learning to ask for help: It’s not always easy, but reaching out to experts or local communities made a huge difference.
• Finding joy in the chaos: Whether it’s cooking with the wrong ingredients or trying to understand a new language, laughter always helps.
• Embracing collaboration: The stories and insights from families around the world shaped this book into something truly special.
Any message for our readers?
Motherhood is an adventure like no other, especially when you’re far from home. But you’re not alone. Maternity Abroad is here to guide and support you through the twists and turns, with advice, personal stories, and practical tips to help you feel more confident, no matter where you are.
Thank you so much, Jessica, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!