Knocked Up Abroad: Stories of pregnancy, birth, and raising a family in a foreign country

The Knocked Up Abroad series

by Lisa Ferland

Home is family and family is home.

This book is not only for expectant parents as it is a delightful tour of the world through the eyes of people living in countries other than their native land. Without knowing the language, culture, or customs, having a baby abroad isn't as easy as you might expect.

Knocked Up Abroad is an anthology of 24 stories about the trials and joys experienced by 21 mothers and two dads who raised their families abroad.

These life stories span several continents to highlight the infinite ways in which babies are welcomed into the world. Each story is as unique as the child being born. Their experiences range from the spa-like treatments for postpartum women in Japan to insatiable pregnancy cravings in the Seychelles to non-functioning toilets in West Africa.

Contributors
Lana Ankarcrona, Jannecke Balys, Erin Boeck Motum, Candice Cabutihan-Cipullo, Mirren Childs, Michelle Estekantchi, Ersatz Expat, Cathy Ferland, Lisa Ferland, Jonathan Ferland, Naomi Hattaway, Sherah Haustein, Katarina Holm-DiDio, Chantelle Howell, Demi Jones, Olga Mecking, Sarah Metzker Erdemir, Sarah Murdock, Penelope Stanley, Ember Swift, Sten-Ove Tullberg, Meika Weiss, Clara Wiggins, Jackie Wilson

Genres: Parenting

276 pages, ebook

Published January 25, 2016

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun. I really enjoyed all but a few of the stories included in this book. It is a compilation of stories of mostly American, Canadian or European women finding out they are pregnant, giving birth or raising children in a culture other than their own. While that description may seem a bit ethnocentric, the book really did not come across that way. So many of the stories were warm, heart-felt and easy to relate to. Many of them were so hilarious. (I laughed aloud on an airplane and embarrassed myself.) A few of the stories were snobby, but just a few.

Overall, it was fascinating to learn a bit more about antenatal care and childbirth in other countries/cultures. Would recommend it to anyone who loves traveling and also interested in women's health.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knocked Up Abroad is an anthology of 23 stories, each giving you a glimpse of all stages of gestation from the viewpoint of parents all over the world. The one thing tying them all together? Each story is from a family navigating pregnancy and birth outside their home culture. But Knocked up Abroad isn’t just for pregnant expats, it’s a book for anyone wading through life in a foreign country, with an intercultural marriage, or who loves travel.

I don’t have a baby and I won’t be joining the mommy club anytime soon, but as an expat l found the experiences in this book a breath of fresh air. I'm someone who is comforted by the mere thought of other people muddling through similar bewildering situations and found myself nodding at what I’m coming to see are ubiquitous expat headaches. There is a thread of universal truth to be found in each of these personal stories.

[Nickole Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I received the book and have nearly flown through it in the past week. I am on the last story and feel reluctant to finish it as I don't want the stories to stop. As a new mother (baby boy born two weeks ago) in a new land (moved to Sweden 4 years ago from US) this book has been like Chicken Soup for the Expat Mother's Soul. The feelings of guilt, of joy, of confusion, and strange customs have resonated so strongly with me. I have felt or still do feel what all these mothers (and daddies) felt at some point and this book came at such a perfect time in my life. I hope that the next compilation comes sooner than later.

[Joann Ferland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading every one of these amazing stories. The mothers and fathers tell their heartfelt and personal accounts of dealing with the obstacles and joys of giving birth and raising a family in a foreign country. It's fascinating to read how they navigated through healthcare systems, language barriers and local customs. The writers do an excellent job of pulling you into their world as they relate these warm and sometimes harrowing stories. Everyone who has raised a family will enjoy this wonderful collection.

[Chantelle Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for anyone considering having or taking children abroad; or has had or lived with their children abroad.
Actually though it’s just a good read full stop. There are 24 truly heartfelt stories of mamas (and two daddies) that I think you can really connect to aside from the living abroad side of it all.

[Hiraeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview with Lisa Ferland: http://hiraethmagazine.com/podcast-ep...

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to read, give to friends who are expecting a baby and/or expecting to move from their home country to a new one. Or to anyone, like me, whose child-bearing years are far behind and who expects a bit of travel, but no more moves. I read this book in one day, quite caught up in the adventures of all of these different people, mostly women, living in new-to-them countries, having and raising children in entirely foreign situation. Who knew that customs surrounding childbirth were so different, even among doctors and midwives, in different countries! Add in mothers in law, aunties, and hopefully, a supportive friend... but in the end, everyone, medical personnel or not, and especially parents, want the same thing, a healthy baby and child. There are many ways to arrive at this destination, beautifully described here.

[Jonathan Ferland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for anyone who has been pregnant, wants to be pregnant, or will be pregnant in the future. It's also a great book for anyone who loves to travel, wants to travel, or will travel in the future. Or basically, anyone who enjoys a good read.

I highly recommend it! (and yes, I'm slightly biased, but I'm ok with that)

[Chantelle Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for anyone considering having or taking children abroad; or has had or lived with their children abroad.
Actually though it’s just a good read full stop. There are 24 truly heartfelt stories of mamas (and two daddies) that I think you can really connect to aside from the living abroad side of it all.