private consultation

When you are planning a family and having children you are in a transformative stage of life. Unfortunately many women’s experience of this time is complicated by fear, confusion and feelings of helplessness. Women often talk about this powerful period as something they want to get over with as quickly as possible—this is a tremendous loss. The childbearing years can be a cherished and empowering phase instead of an anxious and painful one.

We are complex creatures comprised of body, mind and spirit. Nowhere is this more clearly expressed than during the birthing experience. In examining the western medical model for birth, one quickly realizes that it’s often, though not always, primarily concerned with labor and delivery’s clinical aspect at the expense of the emotional and spiritual elements. Without verbal and/or touch support the pain and stress can build to the level of unmanageability. Too often our culture’s approach to labor and childbirth is cold, non-nurturing, unsafe and negligent of the experiential needs of the emerging parents and child.

Michelle Fonte, owner of The Gathering Place and founder of The Monarch Collective, offers private consultation for couples. You may ask why you might need that? Many parents realize that there is a great deal to learn. Most start their journey during pregnancy and have nine months or less to educate themselves. Client-focused guidance and direction ensure the quality of care you receive by helping you make informed decisions.

Even considering having a child is an act of parenting. After conception the impending birth becomes more real. Determining where and with whom to give birth are parenting decisions. Making these decisions together, as a couple, is an opportunity to begin bonding. Having a consultation is an enjoyable way to explore your many options.

Who you choose as a primary care practitioner and where you deliver will have a significant impact on your experience. With many years of experience in the South Florida birth community, Michelle knows many of the practitioners personally. She is also aware of their practice philosophies, including the culture and political climate of hospitals. Regardless of where you live, Michelle can assist you in your decision-making process and connecting with your local birth community.

There are many factors that influence what kind of birth you will have. While it is impossible to control the birth process, Michelle can assist you in having a more positive experience by choosing the best possible match. Finding practitioners that you can trust is a critical part of the consultation. Information you gather will give you confidence in selecting a provider that is right for you. During a consultation you will feel comfortable and have ample time to ask all of your questions.

This comprehensive consultation will guide you through the entire birth process and beyond. Our goal is for parents to have a happier, healthier birth experience. With c-section rates at 30% nationally, and local hospitals higher at 55%, this is just one reason why parents need to educate themselves. Parents will receive a package of articles, resources, and interview questions. You may also borrow a set of childbirth videos to assist you in making your decisions.

Reasons parents choose to have a birth consultation:

- Make Informed Decisions
- Preconception planning
- Gain awareness regarding your beliefs about the birth process and how they may impact your choices
- Become an informed consumer regarding birth choices Understand the significance of birth Save time researching options
- Educate yourself regarding physician and midwifery care
- Discover ways to enhance your birth experience no matter where you choose to give birth
- Investigate the benefits of various birthing locations including hospital, birth center, alternative birth center and home
- Create a supportive birth team
- Lay the groundwork for cooperative parenting
- Answers to your specific questions
- Increase Confidence
- Increase the likelihood that your birth will be a positive life changing experience
- Personal referrals based on your specific needs
- Establish trusting relationships with practitioners
- Seeking a more satisfying birth experience
- Gain comfort in your decision making process
- Help avoiding a first c-section or seeking a vaginal birth after cesarean
- New to the Area/Recently relocated From a foreign country

Parents who follow our simple guidelines often report having glorious and joyful birth experiences. We have been led to trust technology over our own human wisdom and it takes time and engagement to see past that to a path that feels both positive and nurturing. The resources are available and easily accessible to create a personalized birth team and birth plan that respects the parents’ and the baby’s journey into their next phase of life. It’s our hope that The Gathering Place can help as many people as possible find their way to this accessible goal.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment , please call us at (786) 953-6417.