The Latin moms’ challenge in a foreign land

Monday, 11 of Jul 2016
By Ana Paula Negrellos

Moving to a new country by yourself for study or work can be very interesting, but can be also a challenge.

So, can you imagine how different could it be if you already have kids? No relatives to support in difficulties moments or share the workload, any known doctors to be reference when needed, new customs to raise the children... However, some of Latin women in Australia tell us how it can be less scared than it sounds.

For Monica Moretta, from Venezuela, the first experience was a little scared. She came to Brisbane with her boyfriend to study and felt in love for the city quickly. They started the paperwork to stay longer, got marriage in the meantime. But the baby came when she was under the student visa yet. “I decided to go to the public service because we couldn`t effort a private doctor that time. I really would prefer to have my baby in my country, but things were not so good there”. After 19 weeks, unfortunately Monica lost her baby – the worst thing for a mother, even more when you are without your family care near you.

However, like a real strong Latin woman she tried again. This time she chose a private assistance. Now she has Samuel, one-year-old boy and as a resident visa, can count on some Australian government benefits, as Medicare at home and partial refund of childcare expenses.

“I try to respect some traditions from Venezuela, speak Spanish at home, but I also follow the Australian way of life, because it is his homeland and we are so grateful for having this amazing opportunity for our son. We also have very good friends who give us support and make our life happier here”, she told us.

Juliane Aggio, came from Brazil in 2010 with her husband and has a different story but the same feeling. Her both kids – Lucas, 4 years old, and the little Olivia, two months – were born in Australia and both the pregnancies were supported by the public service. At first in Melborne and after in Brisbane, where they live nowadays. “The public service was perfect in both cases.

I can take care of them with security and love. We also have access to a lot of baby stuff of second hand for fair prices and can count on others mothers support. I remind that some Australian friends brought me delicious food and drinks when I arrived from the maternity. It is an Australian habit, so special and gentle”, Juliane explained.

On the other hand, during the first months of Lucas at school, she missed the extra attention and hearty care of Brazilian schools, and felt sad in leaving her little boy sometimes. However, after few weeks, she understood that the children care professionals were very qualified and reliable.

“I always try to mix the best side and practices of both cultures. It works very well with Lucas and I`m very exciting for follow the same way with Olivia. We feel that it is our hometown now”, says Juliane who is also Australian citizen.