“Do what is best for you”—those wise words from a good friend about seven years ago have stuck with me. She gave me that advice long before I even thought about having a child.

And so I did…

When I had my baby in Portugal, I worked on getting an incredible support network. However, I know that’s not always the case for everyone—it often depends on how long you’ve been in the country, your language skills, visa status, and other factors. I was lucky to find amazing doctors and nurses who supported me throughout the journey. I even had the fun experience of getting a belly painting from my local doula!

Despite not having been in Portugal for long, I met some incredible people. It wasn’t just local friends who had my back; friends from all over the world, who were also navigating their motherhood journey abroad, became my lifeline. Those 2 AM breastfeeding sessions when everything felt overwhelming and I was doubting myself? My global mom tribe was there. We laughed, cried, and figured out this crazy expat motherhood thing together. Still, there were plenty of surprises—like dealing with health insurance, prenatal care, and all that paperwork. As a first-time mom, I felt swamped with all the information I needed to learn yesterday. And being a foreigner added another layer of complexity, making the whole experience of pregnancy overseas pretty overwhelming at times.

So, What Inspired Me to Write “Maternity Abroad”?

It’s Simple: Inspiration from Incredible Women

Since I started working on my Brazilian podcast called "Maternity Outside of Brazil," I've had the incredible opportunity to meet and hear from countless amazing women about their pregnancy journeys while living abroad. Each story was unique, filled with challenges, triumphs, and a whole lot of heart.

Take Maria living in Australia, for example. She overcame loneliness and depression and is now a bundle of energy, organizing kids' cultural parties, playdates, dance classes—you name it. She's unstoppable! Or Cintia, who had a turbulent maternity journey but eventually landed in the safe hands of great doctors in Portugal. There are so many amazing stories, but I don't want to spoil them all for you! It hit me that these experiences were too precious not to share. So, I decided to condense these incredible tales into an easy-to-follow guidebook.

Expertise from Expat Specialists

But it’s not just about the stories. I also reached out to specialists who are expats themselves. These experts know firsthand the unique care and attention we need as foreigners. Let's face it, being an expat is no walk in the park, and having a reliable guide can make the journey a lot smoother.

By bringing together these personal stories and expert insights, "Maternity Abroad" offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the challenges and joys of maternity in a foreign land. Whether you're just starting your journey or already in the thick of it, this book is here to support you every step of the way.

Why Read “Maternity Abroad”

You might be wondering, what makes “Maternity Abroad” stand out? Here’s why I believe this book will be a valuable companion for you:

1. Genuine Stories: Filled with real-life anecdotes from mothers who have faced the same hurdles and joys as you, this book offers a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

2. Professional Guidance: Insights and advice from experts in various fields such as prenatal care, pediatric health, and emotional well-being ensure you have well-rounded information at your fingertips.

3. Cultural Wisdom: Learn how different cultures approach parenting and how you can blend your traditions with those of your new home to create a rich, nurturing environment for your children.

4. Practical Advice: Whether it’s overcoming language barriers, finding reliable doctor, or even finding the right insurance, “Maternity Abroad” provides practical tips to make your expatriate parenting journey smoother.

5. Emotional Support: This book is a warm hug for your soul, reminding you that you are not alone. It’s about finding comfort in shared experiences and drawing strength from the community of mothers around the globe.

Why Trust Me

Now, a bit about why I’m the right person to bring you this book:

• Lived Experience: I’m not just writing from an outsider’s perspective; I’ve lived the ups and downs of raising kids abroad. My personal journey is the backbone of this book, filled with authenticity and heart.

• Community Connections: Over the years, I’ve built connections with countless expatriate mothers, gathering their stories and insights, which have greatly enriched the content of this book.

• Passion and Dedication: My passion for helping other moms navigate this unique path drives me. Every word in “Maternity Abroad” is written with the hope that it will make your journey a bit easier and a lot more joyful.

• Attention to Detail: With the help of professionals and my own meticulous research, I’ve ensured that every chapter is both engaging and informative.

Join the Journey

“Maternity Abroad” is more than just a book; it’s a community of mothers supporting each other across borders. By reading it, you’re joining a network of women who understand and uplift one another through the shared experience of having children in a foreign land. I invite you to be part of this journey, share your stories, and draw strength from our collective experiences.

Stay tuned for the release of “Maternity Abroad” by subscribing to my newsletter. You’ll get exclusive previews, updates, and more. I can’t wait to share this labor of love with you and hear about your own adventures in motherhood abroad. Together, let’s make this journey one of shared joy, support, and inspiration.

Recommended Reading