What is your biggest inspiration to grow the organization?
There are hundreds of thousands of deaths related to maternal health every year that are preventable.  That’s a pretty significant number, and there are not a lot of causes I know of that have such an upside. It’s something that people relate to, and there’s a lot that can be done, which is why a lot of our supporters are so excited to get involved.

How does running a marathon tie into your mission?
The best way to reduce maternal mortality is to improve maternal health in general. So any activity that allows people to improve their own health while helping others, like running for a cause, seems like a natural connection. The distance of a marathon is also significant because in many parts of the world five kilometers is the average distance that a woman has to walk to get prenatal care, and 26.2 miles is the average distance a woman would have to be transported if she had an emergency.

What’s a marker of the organization’s success for you?
So many of the companies I worked with over the years as a model are now supporting Every Mother Counts. We had a great partnership with Calvin Klein last year, and Maybelline has always been so supportive. It’s really great to see my work come full circle.

How can people support the mission of Every Mother Counts?
It’s really just about spreading the word. We do a lot of events and documentary film screenings that people can join in on to get educated. We partner with many brands on products that support maternal health. We have collaborations with TOMS and Citizens of Humanity, and we’re about the launch a diaper bag with Rebecca Minkoff. They’re all products that are created to make moms’ lives easier, and allow them to do what they should do best, which is provide care and protection for their families. We also do social campaigns throughout the year, like #WhatIsPossible.

Be Confident in Your Childcare

Whether you’re employing a full-time nanny for 50-plus hours a week or just phoning up a babysitter every now and again, you need to be confident and trusting in the person (or people) who take care of your kids.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing that your family is in great hands when you can’t be there is invaluable.

Don’t Compare Yourself

For many moms (especially those second-guessing their choices), the grass can seem greener on the other side. Don’t assume that just because a friend is home with her kids while you’re at work (or vice versa), she doesn’t ask the same questions you do.

Talk About It!

Sharing your feelings and concerns with friends and other moms can yield surprising results. A working mom may discover that her neighbor who stays at home with her kids feels guilty about derailing from a promising career track.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to figuring out the best way to be a parent to your family, but hearing other moms’ stories can certainly help to realize you’re not alone in your mixed emotions.

Make Tradition a Priority

Create family traditions that your kids (and you!) will look forward to for years to come. Whether it’s something as simple as pizza and game night every Friday or vacationing somewhere new every Spring break, this allows you to establish something special that works for your family.

Leave Work at the Office

One of the main culprits of moms’ guilt is that feeling of being spread too thin. When you’re attempting to catch up on work and pay attention to what the kids are telling you at the same time, you’re not giving anyone 100 percent. Implement a “leave your phone and laptop at the door” policy, and if you need to pick back up with work, wait until they’re in bed.

Pay Attention When You’re With Your Kids (No, Really Pay Attention)

If your concern is that you’re not getting enough quality time with your family, make sure the hours you do get with them count. While moms are responsible for parenting, not just playing, carve out some time every week to just indulge in pure, focused fun with your kids.

Make Family Dinner a Priority

From the time they’re infants, children thrive on routine and stability. Make a concerted effort to eat together as a family every night. If dinner’s not feasible, consider family breakfast instead. That distraction-free time around the table is simply invaluable.

Love What You Do

Don’t view going to work solely as hours away from your family. Remember that you’re providing for them and putting your talent and education to good use. If you’re happy at your job, the time away from the house will be a lot less painful.

If you’re not happy with what you’re doing, explore your options. There’s more flexibility and opportunity for working moms than ever, so don’t pigeonhole yourself into something that doesn’t satisfy you.

Let Yourself Let Loose (Every Now and Again)

Whether your idea of relaxation comes in the form of a night out with girlfriends, a yoga class, or a seminar at the local library, every mom needs some 100-percent guilt-free “me” time. Allow yourself this every once in awhile, knowing that being a happier person will in turn make you a happier mother.

If You Don’t Work, Stay Connected

Working moms aren’t the only ones who suffer from feelings of guilt. Those who stay at home may feel mixed emotions from actually missing being in the office and like they’re not putting their education to good use.

Combat this by finding ways to stay connected to your industry — or discover a new and rewarding passion. Taking a couple of hours a week to volunteer or attend networking events doesn’t make you a more selfish mom, it makes you a more dynamic one!