24. Experiencing Motherhood as an Expat in Guatemala

<p class="p1">On today’s episode of “Mothers Around the World” we hear from a mother living in Guatemala. Michelle tells us what she loves about the culture and pace of life in Guatemala. She speaks to her prenatal and postnatal experience as an Expat, and how it compares to what the majority of Guatemalan women experience. </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">Michelle is originally from California and a former high school teacher. In 2010, she took a teaching position in Guatemala and has lived there ever since. She is married to her husband, who is originally from Guatemala, and is a mom of four children. Michelle now works with a non-profit organization. She writes about motherhood, marriage, and life in between two cultures and countries. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post and Scary Mommy.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">In this episode we discuss:</p> <p class="p1">-Comparing the Guatemalan National hospital, private hospital, and birthing center</p> <p class="p1">-The role that extended family plays in postpartum care</p> <p class="p1">-Cultural differences between Guatemala and United States</p> <p class="p1">-What lock down looked like in Guatemala and how their community responded to it</p> <p class="p1">-Finding freedom in less options and a slower pace of life</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Resources Mentioned:</p> <p class="p1">-<a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Eskimos-Keep-Their-Babies-Warm/dp/156512958X?dchild=1&keywords=how+eskimos+keep+their+babies+warm&qid=1623695421&sr=8-1-fkmr1&linkCode=sl1&tag=newchapterlynzy-20&linkId=6ce5d39830f2b7a93fb3e97e396f6140&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl">How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm: And Other Adventures in Parenting</a></p> <p class="p1">-<a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Without-Borders-Surprising-Lessons/dp/1583335471?dchild=1&keywords=parenting+without+borders&qid=1623695444&sr=8-3&linkCode=sl1&tag=newchapterlynzy-20&linkId=5c718b1222f36b299fcc6cc81da54d82&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl">Parenting Without Borders: Surpr