New parent abroad: tips for coping without family support

Moving overseas to take up an expat role can be stressful. This is particularly true if you are pregnant or planning to start a family while you are away and don’t have your usual family support that you are used to. If you know you will be moving away while expecting a child or if you are planning a child soon after arriving in your new home, it’s important to research what you can expect at such an important time in your life, such as family support services abroad or what are your maternity leave abroad options.

Research the maternity benefits for expats in your destination country. Get clarity from your employer as to which maternity system you will fall under as an expat, that of your home or destination country? Maternity leave abroad and maternity benefits for expats vary significantly across the globe, find maternity leave country differences here.

Once you know what the maternity benefits are in your expat home, you also need to ensure you will qualify for them. In some instances, you may need to be working for a year in your destination country, in others you may not qualify for them at all as a foreign national. Doing your research on maternity benefits, qualifications and maternity leave abroad is important to help you have as much information as possible during changing times.

If local antenatal care is not accessible or suitable for your needs, you have options while working as an expat. International health insurance for expat families can provide cover for infertility treatment, pre and postnatal care, routine and complicated deliveries. You can also opt into support services like pregnancy yoga or breastfeeding consultants depending on the plan you choose. Knowing you have access to the best available maternity care in your destination country, will ease some of the anxiety about becoming a parent while you are away from family and friends. Asking questions is most important to stay informed on all aspects of pregnancy abroad. Here, you will find questions to ask as an expat having a baby overseas to help you stay informed as much as possible.

Becoming a parent for the first time while you or your partner are also juggling a demanding expat role can be challenging. One of the most difficult aspects of expat life is not having friend and family support around you that you are used to, particularly at this most pivotal time. 

No matter where you are in the world, there is likely to be some form of family support services for new parents that you can tap into. Some easy ways you can find support as expat parents include:

• Join expat family groups: if you find yourself in a popular expat destination there are likely to be expat family groups you can join. Meeting other expat parents is a great way to allay your concerns or fears about becoming a parent overseas. Other families may be able to offer advice on having a baby in that particular country or the challenges they have faced parenting away from home. Find tips here on how to make friends with other mothers who may also need some friendly support.
  
  
• Take a postnatal class: this is a great way to meet other new parents. Although most will be in the local language, there may be options in other languages if you are in a city popular with expats. 
  
  
• Join a playgroup, baby massage or swimming lessons: meet other mothers locally by joining a baby-centred activity. This will help you feel supported by other people in similar situations while also spending time with your baby and socialising outside of the home. There are many benefits to baby classes for both the parent and the baby as they help with areas like socialising for like-minded parents and motor skill development for the baby.
• Find parents on social media: search Facebook for ‘new parent’ groups in your area. If that doesn’t work out, see if there is a MeetUp group for expats or parents that might help you widen your local support network.
  
  
• Arrange a visit: if friends or family can visit, try to arrange for them to come after you have had your baby. Make sure they understand the visit is to spend time together and meet your new arrival rather than see the sights in your new home! Family support from those your love will help that little bit more once the baby is here.
  
  
• Expat assistance programme:  if you are finding becoming a parent while abroad particularly tough reach out and speak to someone as soon as possible. If your international health insurance has an expat assistance programme, you should be able to access professional help quickly and easily.

 

While it may not be the same as having your parents or good friends nearby, with some research you should be able to find some community support at this key stage of life. Family support services are there to be used, so make sure you utilise the services available to you while living abroad.