I've dealt with anxiety on and off as an adult, but my prenatal and postpartum anxiety spells were extra intense. At one point during my first trimester of being pregnant, I was so anxious that I wondered why any woman would ever volunteer for the experience. 

That's why I'm "knitting" with Australia's Gidget Foundation, from now until Sept. 1, for the group's "Have a Yarn" campaign. The foundation offers emotional and mental health support for expecting and new parents, including free in-person and telehealth sessions. 

I don't knit, but I do sew, so I'm picking up my embroidery kits to help make sure that women who need prenatal and postpartum support can get it. My goal is to raise AUD1,000 for Gidget (about USD685) — enough for 20 telehealth sessions for pregnant moms or new parents experiencing anxiety and depression. 

I did three sessions with Gidget House, and they were a huge help. The counselor I worked with was kind and caring, making me feel heard and understood. She was also practical and focused on helping me find ways to take care of myself, through simple (and free!) acts like walking and deep breathing. And from "day dot," the services came with zero stigma. At the mere mention of anxiety, my OB/GYN gave me a referral to Gidget House, and he checked back in to make sure the services were helping. 

I know that this is a tough time for many people, and that even those who want to might not be able to donate right now. But for those who can give: Your donation is even more needed and appreciated. Early parenthood is stressful in the best of times, but it's even more so in the age of the new coronavirus. Shelter-in-place orders and concerns about spreading the virus have left new and expecting moms and dads even more isolated than usual, often without the in-person support they had planned on or hoped for. 

If we had stayed in Australia, I would have wanted to volunteer in person with Gidget House. But since we're now many miles away, this is one small way I can give back. (I'm also looking for ways to support similar groups in the U.S., but I want to start by thanking and supporting the group that helped me when I needed it.) 

For more information about the "Have a Yarn" campaign, see this page: https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/have-a-yarn-for-gidget/ 

(To "have a yarn" is Aussie slang for "to have a chat.") 

Thank you!