Discover the secrets to thriving as an Expat mum in Vietnam with Claire Simpson

“I never thought I was going to have kids here… that wouldn’t have even crossed my mind.” — Claire Simpson

This episode with Claire really opened my eyes to a side of Vietnam I’ve never personally experienced but have always been curious about — what it’s actually like to be an expat parent here. I've interviewed entrepreneurs, creatives, teachers, founders… but motherhood is a whole different universe.

There were parts of this episode that surprised me, like how many expats assume you can’t buy diapers or formula here, or the fact that kindergarten can start as early as 6–9 months. And then the nanny story… wow. It’s one of the wildest behind-the-scenes expat-life stories I’ve ever heard on the podcast.

But the biggest takeaway for me is this: Vietnam can absolutely be an amazing place to raise a child — as long as you’re prepared, informed, and connected.

Key Talking Points

1. What maternity care in Vietnam is really like for expats — including costs, translation challenges, medical tests, and choosing the right hospital.
2. How motherhood impacts identity abroad — from postpartum depression to losing parts of yourself to rebuilding routines and confidence.
3. Practical realities of raising a kid in Vietnam — baby supplies, pollution, infrastructure, kindergartens, and accessing play areas.
4. How Vietnamese culture treats children — the warmth, attention, and openness families receive everywhere they go.
5. The truth about hiring a nanny in Vietnam — a raw story about contracts, misunderstandings, emotional conflict, and what expat parents need to know.

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

02:50 — Awards, Identity & Pregnancy
 Claire talks about influencer awards, losing parts of her identity, and finding out she was pregnant.

06:30 — Navigating Healthcare & Maternity Packages
 We dive into hospitals, costs, tests, translators, and what the maternity journey looks like in Vietnam.

12:50 — Motherhood Without Family Support
 The emotional and practical challenges of being an expat mum, postpartum depression, and building a “tribe.”

17:45 — Raising Kids in Vietnam: Food, Formula, Kindergartens & Safety
 Diapers, play areas, pollution, sidewalks, cultural attitudes toward children — the full picture.

28:30 — The Nanny Story: Contracts, Conflict & Lessons Learned
 Claire shares the dramatic and eye-opening experience of hiring a nanny and the advice she wishes she had known.

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