The Gathering Place

Absolutely amazing community. My husband and I live in Plantation yet we decided to take all our classes here because they were incredibly supportive and helped to educate us and make us feel as comfortable as humanly possible as we prepared to bring our little man into the world. Most importantly, we worked with Michelle as our doula and I have to say this was THE BEST decision we ever made. Working with her throughout the pregnancy and during the delivery helped make this an incredibly special experience. We were able to have a natural birth and I have such beautiful memories of this day because of her. We are forever grateful.

The Gathering Place was instrumental in the natural birth of my first son this past year. Michelle Fonte is a no-​nonsense doula with a knack for bringing together like-​minded professionals to create health and wellness in families from the get go, thereby strengthening the local community for years to come. They have amazing classes pre to postpartum. I’m looking forward to attending the biannual Green Baby Fair and seeing their upcoming birthing center manifest! Talk about doing the damn thing! Get here. It’s not too late… or early.

I really can’t say enough about what TGP meant to me throughout my pregnancy and birth and the impact that having a community of women and families had on my whole experience.
We participated in almost every class that was offered and I went to pre-​natal yoga each week for my 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters. (Which was the best part of pregnancy) The support that was offered by TGP is unmatched. The information we gained about hospital births and what to consider and ask for in order to have the birth experience we wanted completely changed our experience and allowed us to have the everything we wanted.
Michelle was our doula and she was just what we needed. Calm, experienced, supportive and such a positive energy.
I feel lucky to have met the women and families at the gathering place and am so so thankful for what Michelle and Tamara are providing in our community.

TGP holds a special place in my heart as the reason for having such a successful birth of my first baby. Just attending the Green Baby Fair I was hooked after taking the classes related to doulas, vaccinations, and how to avoid a c-​section. I hired a doula (Florencia) who was invaluable to my husband and me for our amazing birth experience. I found the classes at TGP full of much needed information to help make the birthing experience less scary and help in the transition to taking care of a newborn. I’m fully on board to continue with TGP now for lactation services. I would recommend TGP to everyone in the South Florida area about to have a baby…

It’s difficult to sum into words the positive difference this place has made into our lives. This may be a little long but please read on. My husband and I came to TGP just for information on hospital birth and ended up being blessed in so many ways by the employees there.
After meeting and becoming informed by Michelle, one of the owners, we decided to hire a doula in order to have assistance during the birth of our first baby. Their doula services come at different prices in order to ensure that everyone from varying financial backgrounds can have access to this vital service. Our doula, Florencia, was a rock for us during the birth. She kept me focused and ensured that I got the birth that I wanted for baby and me.
All the doula services come with access to three very informative classes. Take advantage of these and their very knowledgeable team! We learned so much and met other families going through this experience. It was wonderful.
I can’t say enough and express how grateful I am to these ladies. They made the community real for me when I didn’t think it possible. I had arranged to have the two female doctors at the practice I used be available to assist my birth. The day I went into labor, my doctor and her backup became unavailable. Leaving me to their male doctor who had been particularly unkind to me at previous visits. I was a wreck laboring thinking he would be at the delivery. My doula contacted the owners at TGP and they made magic happen. Through their help I was seen and had my baby delivered at the hospital by an amazing midwife. My situation may not be common but their assistance was amazing and made the community of women empowering child birth real to me.
It goes without saying my husband and I couldn’t be more grateful for their services. Our little baby boy was born healthy, naturally, and drug free this past May.

The Gathering Place has been an instrumental place in my life since my third month of pregnancy when i finally discovered them at the recommendation of another friend. I have used them to find my doula, Michelle, who was amazing and supported me through a difficult pregnancy and birth of my twins. I also took several childbirth and pregnancy education classes there. I have bought items at the Peapod childrens’ store and gotten to know many of the wonderful women who work there. I use them for referrals to doctors and lactation consultants, as well as for suggestions on natural solutions to health issues as well as for help with parenting concepts and referrals. I highly recommend TGP as a wonderful resource for all pregnant women and parents!

Let’s just say that I was disappointed to be disappointed. I have heard so many wonderful things about this place and unfortunately that was not my experience.
It was a week day after the gym, probably around 5:00pm. I read online that walk-​ins are welcome so I decided to head in and get some information because I was looking for a doula. As I am approaching the building there was a lady out front and the first thing that comes out of her mouth is «Do you have an appointment?» No hello, no welcome, nothing. So I explain why I am there and I am finally invited in. When I enter there was another young lady. She was nice but you could tell she must be new because she was not prepared to answer any of my questions and when I asked for brochures she didn’t know where they were.
Finally the original woman who «greeted» me stepped in and handed me some brochures, a class schedule and a questionnaire.
I kept trying to have a conversation with both of these ladies but you could tell they had no interest. It was as if I was wasting their time or disrupting them. I start to fill out the questionnaire and it’s all these ridiculous questions like «why are you here?» How much do you want to spend?“
I don’t know! And why can’t we have a conversation about this?! This is my first time! I just want to connect with a doula! We can discuss how much I want to spend after I’ve met her!
I was so turned off at how impersonal these people were.
As I finish my questionnaire the owner/​doula walks out of an appointment and has a look on her face like «what is this person doing here?» No hello, my name is so and so, welcome… Nada! The only reason I know who she is, is because when she walked out one of the previous ladies said «oh! That’s (name) she’s the owner!»
I handed in my oh so personal questionnaire and all the owner/​doula said was «write your number on the bottom of the sheet and I’ll text you tomorrow.»
You’ll text me?! What?! Talk about impersonal!!! Oh did I mention that one of the previous ladies started to tell me that my hospital has a 50% c-​section rate and I should deliver at Jackson?! I didn’t ask for your opinion! And aren’t you supposed to be positive?!
I was so turned off! It’s really a shame.
I never got a text or a phone call until 1 ½ weeks later.
Guess what?! I found another doula. Sorry!
The place is adorable but as far as first impressions, they get a big fat F from me.
I’ve told so many of my friends what my experience was and they were also not impressed. Reputation and customer service is everything. Best of luck to them.
It was a very «corporate» experience. Quantity over quality.

This is a very special place to me and our little (growing) family! A great place to be educated, to find support and meet other families! I love that there is always something happening! You must stop by if you are in the area for, awesome baby products like; carriers/​slings, bottles, toys, cloth diapers (they also have disposable eco friendly ones!), products as well for, nursing mothers and so much more!!!

This place and the whole staff is just amazing!!! I am learning so much and any time I have a question this has become my go-​to place for answers. My pre-​natal yoga instructor is the most caring and best practitioner there is. I’ve met with doulas and a mid-​wife and felt the same way about them. They are caring and compassionate and they truly are about the overall wellness of mom and baby. The Gathering Place offers me the contention I need, and it became a great source of much needed support. The classes are just awesome and extreme helpful and the place just has the best energy. I look forward to taking more classes and bringing along my hubby and baby, once she is born! I recommend The Gathering Place to all moms and mommies to be!!! Love this place!

The Gathering place is awesome!!! All mommies in Miami need to go here, i love everything parenting classes, playgroup, lactation… they even helped me cloth diaper my baby, i have learned a lot from the owners who are soo nice. Everyone that works here are amazing! Peapod store is unique! I have everything they bring jejej.

I don’t think it’s possible to explain how awesome this place is. The Gathering Place is everything from classes and support groups to doulas and midwives. We took many classes here pre baby and will be signing up for more post baby. Every class opened our eyes and helped us feel more confident about our pending parenthoods. We also hired our doula through here, Michelle. Michelle is a co-​owner and the most fantastic person! We didn’t know where we wanted to have our baby (hospital, home, birthing center) and Michelle guided us through every decision without ever pushing us in any direction. During birth she was amazing! My husband and I are convinced she is the most well connected and informed person in the baby birthing/​raising community down here. We hired our midwife Colleen through here as well. Again, I cannot describe how awesome she has been either! Her office is in The Gathering Place and sometimes we would spend an hour or more after my appointment just chatting and getting more comfortable with each other. I never felt rushed or like «just another client» I felt like a friend (and a week after my baby delivered still do).
The Gathering Place saved me. I was terrified to have a baby in south Florida. Sounds crazy, but we have some scary statistics down here. Today I feel supported, like I have a community I can trust and so thrilled to be able to share my enthusiasm for The Gathering Place with anyone who is curious.

The Gathering Place is so fantastic and helpful. After my daughter’s birth I desperately needed to see a lactation consultant and The Gathering Place got back to me so much faster than the contact the hospital gave me. On top of that, the lactation consultant they set me up with, Ericka, was so patient and completely changed my breastfeeding experience. Tamara, one of the co-​founders, was extremely understanding and helpful over the phone when setting up my appointment. The space is also beautiful. They also host the Green Baby Fair twice a year with tons of great vendors and numerous workshops for different stages you might be at (prenatal, new baby, toddler). I wish I’d known about The Gathering Place sooner!

I have learned so much from TGP, and have yet to even go to my first class! After hearing about the Green Baby Fair a few months ago, I attended with my friend who has the same due date. There I was able to take several mini classes and meet vendors who have a similar perspective to mine – mamas who prefer a natural, more crunchy approach to pregnancy and preparing to become a parent.
TGP, based in a lovely house on Biscayne and 58^th St., offers all kinds of classes, including preparing for birth (in various settings), to baby wearing (slings, etc.) and much much more. Check out the schedule on their website. Michelle Fonte, the godmother of doulas in South Florida (or so it seems!) and one of the partners there, helped me meet with several experienced doulas, and I found the perfect doula for my needs… not only is she bilingual, but she recommends great books for me to read and keeps close tabs on how I’m doing and includes my partner in the preparation experience. Bottom line: Whenever I walk into TGP, I feel supported and cared for, and that matters so much to me as an expectant mom.
FYI, The house is home to a number of other related small businesses, including Peapod Essentials, which sells awesome baby products.

I have now taken two classes here as I prepare for the arrival of my first baby. Everyone I have met is so knowledgeable and supportive, I would highly recommend this place to any new or expectant momma. Look no further for a doula, lactation consultant, midwife and even a store on site with tons of products for your little one. They have a huge variety of cloth diapers and baby carriers on site along with so much more.
You feel right at home when you walk in the door to the Gathering Place and they are supportive of whatever choices you make for yourself, your birth and your baby. I look forward to many more days spent here making new friends and utilizing the long list of classes and support groups offered.

This is the Best Place to be as a Mommy to Be in Miami. Before during and after having a baby. The Gathering Place is full of strong women who support and care about this special time in a woman’s life. The Women running this place are such dolls! Kindness & open arms is what greets you here. The establishment itself has such a welcoming energy. The mentality of birth, nurturing & growth is clearly abundant within the walls of this Beautiful Gathering Place!
Thank you guys for all your Care & support! your the best!

The Gathering Place is exactly what I needed 27 years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and desperately wanting to have a vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean). Unfortunately, there was nothing like this in existence back then. Heck, I’m pretty sure there is nothing ELSE like this in Miami right now!
It is a cozy, comfy, womb-​y place for mamas and their babies while not excluding the papas. Both of my grown daughters received their training to be post-​partum doulas here and continue being mentored through the process of certification. I received my training to be a birth doula a few weeks ago here and I am so impressed with this community center and it’s two founders Tamara and Michelle.
I had met Michelle when she was a birth doula for my daughter and found her to be delightful and nurturing. She was an amazing help right after my granddaughter’s homebirth while we were all just walking around like zombies after a sleepless night and an extremely quick labor and delivery. I kept up with her via facebook for the next couple of years and was able to see, through many pictures, comments and status updates how this center was started, how the building was renovated and how it has grown to be this incredible resource center, not to mention the many services it has to offer!
I attended an open house event a few months ago and, if I was impressed before, I was amazed afterward! That is when I decided to get trained to be a birth doula and hopefully be able to contribute to this exciting outreach!
They were on the news this week for opening the first breast milk bank in Miami to add to the many great services that they offer. I am so excited that they are here and plan on recommending anyone and everyone that is planning or already has a baby!
Oh, and have I mentioned the yummy food? Pretty sure these foodies offer some of the best yummies in town!

The Gathering Place is great! I wish it had been around when I was pregnant with my now toddler. I stop in every now and then to check out a class or attend a community meeting. Everyone I meet there is super nice, and I look forward to doing more there as they have some great stuff upcoming on their calendar that applies to me and my family. (Toddler art classes, parenting information, etc.) Michelle Fonte is amazing. She is very welcoming, easy-​going and knowledgable. As the mother of six and a birth doula she certainly has gained some stripes on her jacket! Oh yeah, I think Michelle likes to cook and bake too. There seems to always be some sort of yummy food going around…

I am so excited to have found this gem and look forward to using the center as a resource for parenting my 1-​year-​old as well as for my next pregnancy. The offer great classes and workshops, bedtime story hour with cookies and milk for the kids, and an overall supportive atmosphere for moms and moms-​to-​be seeking a positive birth experience and beyond. I got to meet Michelle Fonte, the amazing woman who spearheaded this center, and can’t say enough positive things about her and her vision. For any pregnant woman in South Florida, a visit to this center is an absolute must, no matter what type of birth you are planning. :)

We moved to Miami in spring of 2011 expecting our second baby. We didn’t know a soul and went about searching for a doula to help us plan and have a natural birth. That’s when we met Michelle. She and Tamara are so passionate about what they do and such a joy to be around. The Gathering Place is an amazing resource and it’s inclusive to everyone. I always feel welcome. I can stop by and nurse my new baby. i can stop by with my toddler for story time. I can come with my husband for a lecture on whatever. It feels like a second home. I hope others will join us. Seriously, this place is a little piece of heaven.

this place is pretty freaking cool. my husband and i are expecting our first child in december and are not from miami (moved here recently from LA) — we wanted to be well-​informed about childbirth and our options related to it, were looking for a network of expectant parents/​new (ish) parents, and wanted to know how to find resources for all the things we’d need and questions we’d have as the pregnancy continued.
this place is warm and cozy — it is designed to look and feel like a house, but there are no «bedrooms,» per se, just lots of different living rooms (and the kitchen — these people love food, seriously). so far we’ve been to pre-​natal massage (well, that was a me rather than a we thing), a barbecue, a meeting with our doula and have missed other stuff like birthing classes, pre-​natal partner yoga, a baby-​wearing workshop, lactation seminars, etc. lots of stuff under one roof. we dig.