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Not Your Average Baby Shower: Urban Wellness Family Baby Shower

On Saturday, July 12, the Urban League of Hampton Roads Health Team, in partnership with Mother Baby Wellness Center, hosted its third family retreat, the Urban Wellness Family Baby Shower Retreat. Held at Zion Baptist Church, the event brought together local Black families from across Hampton Roads for a day of wellness, education, and connection. 

Mothers, fathers, and youth participated in a full day of activities centered around family health and healing. The retreat offered workshops and conversations focused on prenatal and postnatal care, support between partners, and tools for physical, emotional, and mental wellness. It was an empowering experience for both expectant parents and those already raising children. 

Highlights from the Retreat 

  • Wellness and Education: Families learned how to care for each other through every stage of pregnancy and parenting. Sessions covered prenatal support, postnatal recovery, self-advocacy in birth spaces, and the value of doulas and birth workers.
  • Fatherhood Panel: For the first time, a panel of local Black fathers shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in fatherhood. Their voices created a space for real talk, encouragement, and brotherhood.
  • Hands-On Healing: Moms received complimentary massages. An acupuncturist shared insights on managing stress and explained the benefits of acupuncture for everyday wellness.
  • Yoga and Conversation: Participants practiced mindful breathing and yoga, while guided discussions encouraged slowing down, self-care, and open communication.
  • Community Support: Kids enjoyed outdoor play while volunteers from ODU’s Elmer School of Nursing and interns from the Birdsong Health Literacy Center of Excellence provided support throughout the event.
  • Home-Cooked Meal: A delicious, free meal was prepared and served by facilitator Zena Brockman, creating a true sense of community and nourishment.

Local Black-Owned Wellness Vendors 

  • Unique Vibes Botanica
  • Serenity Oasis 
  • Iamwellness LLC
  • Art of Birth

Diaper and Family Essentials Donations
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following community partners who provided essential resources for our families: 

What’s Next?
Mark your calendars for our next retreat on September 27 at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Chesapeake. It will be another uplifting day for Black families in Hampton Roads to learn, grow, and connect.

Whether you’re a parent, partner, supporter, or service provider, there’s a place for you in this movement. Help us continue building healthy, empowered families across Hampton Roads.

  • Donate: Visit our website and note that your contribution is for the Family Wellness Retreat project. 
  • Register: Stay tuned on our Eventbrite page — registration opens in early September. 
  • Partner With Us: Want to volunteer, lead a session, or bring this program to your community? Use our outreach request form or email us at [email protected].

Join us in creating spaces where Black families can thrive. Check out or Health Corner for more!