Sisterhood Spotlight

What is Urban Baby Beginnings’ (UBB) mission?

Our mission is to reduce adverse outcomes and isolation experienced by families during the prenatal, postpartum and early childhood years by increasing access to maternal health hubs which provide community support, workforce development, and advocacy for birthing and postpartum families.

What can Petersburg mothers and fathers find at UBB?

At Urban Baby Beginnings (UBB), Petersburg mothers and fathers can find a comprehensive range of resources and support tailored to their needs. UBB offers prenatal care services to ensure the health and well-being of expectant mothers, while postpartum support services assist mothers in their recovery and adjustment after childbirth. Lactation support is available to help with breastfeeding challenges, while mental health services address the emotional well-being of both parents. UBB also provides parenting education programs, empowering parents with knowledge and skills for nurturing their children. The community support offered by UBB creates a network of connection, where mothers and fathers can find understanding, advice, and a sense of community. Through partnerships and referrals, UBB ensures access to additional resources, creating a comprehensive support system for Petersburg mothers and fathers on their journey into parenthood.

What inspires your work at UBB?

Founding Urban Baby Beginnings (UBB) has been an inspiring journey fueled by a deep passion for improving maternal health outcomes and addressing the disparities that exist in our communities. Witnessing the challenges faced by mothers and families, I am driven by the unwavering belief that every woman deserves access to quality care, support, and resources during their pregnancy and postpartum journey. The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and their children and to empower communities motivates me every day. Seeing the positive impact we can have through UBB's comprehensive approach and collaborative partnerships fuels my inspiration to continue pushing boundaries and creating innovative solutions in the field of maternal health.

Can you talk about why you are so passionate about community-based support?

Our health and well-being starts at the community level. My passion for community-based support stems from my own experiences and the profound impact I've witnessed it can have on individuals and communities. Having grown up in a close-knit community, I understand the power of collective support and the importance of addressing the unique needs of each community. By working directly with community members, I have seen firsthand how tailored support services can make a real difference in people's lives. Seeing individuals empowered to take charge of their health, build resilience, and thrive within their communities is truly inspiring. It's the relationships built, the trust established, and the shared commitment to fostering well-being that fuel my unwavering dedication to community-based support. Witnessing the sustainable impact and positive transformations it can bring to individuals, families, and entire communities is what drives my passion and fuels my determination to continue making a meaningful difference.

How is UBB’s work impacting the Petersburg community? 

UBB's work at the Petersburg Maternal Hub is making a significant impact on the Petersburg community. Through our diligent efforts, UBB is strengthening the level of social support available to expectant families and their children. By training community health workers and doulas who are embedded in the communities they serve, UBB ensures that support is provided where it is most needed. This investment in community support is yielding positive effects as more and more families actively participate in the process of building and supporting pregnant and postpartum families. The impact goes beyond individual families, as the entire community is becoming stronger and healthier with access to a safe place for support and essential resources. Through UBB's work, the Petersburg community is thriving, fostering a nurturing environment for the well-being of expectant families and their children.

About Stephanie Spencer

Stephanie Spencer is a well-known and respected figure in the maternal and newborn health community in Central Virginia and Hampton Roads. As the Founder and Executive Director of Urban Baby Beginnings, a non-profit organization, Stephanie is dedicated to reducing adverse outcomes and isolation experienced by families during the prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood years. She works to increase access to maternal health hubs that provide community support, workforce development, and advocacy for birthing and postpartum families. Stephanie chairs the Virginia Maternal Quality Care Alliance, where she focuses on improving maternal health outcomes and advocating for high-quality maternal and newborn community support. Through her work on state and local teams and initiatives, Stephanie has been instrumental in expanding community doula certification and accessibility, doula Medicaid reimbursement, and increasing community health worker accessibility. Her program also provides a dual certification program which trains community doulas and maternal child community health workers through UBB’s workforce innovation program.  Stephanie's dedication to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes has earned her widespread recognition throughout the State of Virginia.