With two kids under the age of six, I’m always winging it. Like the other day, when my daughter strutted out the door in head-to-toe leopard print, and my son carefully selected monkey pajamas to wear in public. I could’ve wagged my finger and made them change clothes, but to be honest? I’ve learned to pick my parenting battles. Now, I just slap a Post-It note on their backs. “I didn’t dress them. -Mom”
Besides, baby number three is on the way, which is a total game changer. Soon, we’ll be switching to zone defense instead of man-to-man. Being pregnant is undoubtedly the biggest blessing. But man, in tougher moments, all I want to do is vent to a girlfriend, take a bath or search for inner peace in an Oprah podcast.
I used to feel guilty for needing extra doses of self-care, but over the years, I’ve learned all moms deserve a little “me” time. A chance to scoot away for a mental health moment, or a “get-out-of-jail-free” card. 
Enter – the Mom Card.
UnityPoint Health knows that moms need a break from here and there. And they’re here to support you, each and every time you have to hit the brakes on “momming” for a hot second (… before turning into a hot mess).
Want to leave the party at 7 pm so you can get home for bedtime? Hand over the Mom Card. Sending your little one to daycare in monkey pjs, like me? Show the Mom Card. When your partner asks the last time you washed your hair? Mom Card. (Com’n, that’s what dry shampoo is for!)
Because every mom deserves a Mom Card. As for me, I’ll proudly rep the Mom Card during our hectic mornings – anything to give me a couple extra seconds to sip on my latte and take a deep breath.
So, here you go – the card is in your hands. How will you play it???
[Download the Mom Card here.]
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About the Author, Mallary McKinney:
Mallary McKinney is the Executive Director of Brand Management and Communications for
UnityPoint Health. In this role, she leads the enterprise-wide branding efforts for the system.
As a former retail vet and self-proclaimed brand geek, Mallary aims to bring outside industry
perspective and fresh thinking into healthcare marketing. Outside the office, you can find her
and her husband chasing around her two little humans, Kennedy and Jack, and one zany
French bulldog, Judge.
About UnityPoint Health:
UnityPoint Health is the nation’s 13th largest nonprofit health system and the fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, providing care throughout Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin. As an industry leader in the Midwest, we put people first — they’re our sweet spot, what we care about most, and why we do what we do. Our 30,000 team members are committed to giving each person the type of experience we’d want for our own loved ones. We believe everyday moments are worth celebrating, and as your partner in health care, we’re dedicated to making it easier to live well. UnityPoint Health, UnityPoint Clinic® and UnityPoint at HomeSM
