My experience at Dr Ronald Sancetta's Miami Holistic Birth Center with Dr Berryer and office staff…read moreNastassia- was one of the most heartbreaking times of my life. If you are pregnant and considering this center, please take every negative review seriously. I made the mistake of overlooking them, only to find myself facing the same mistreatment--and worse.
When I attempted to address my concerns after the incidents, I was asked to sign a non-disparagement agreement in exchange for the return of funds that rightfully belonged to me. Ronald Sancetta charged my insurance and was paid out for those services- even though I had paid for those services up front.
Let me be clear: this business is not under new management. Dr. Sancetta, the key decision-maker, remains involved, and the revolving door of staff reflects the toxic environment.
Initially, I was drawn in by the holistic promises advertised on their website. The staff at the time seemed competent, and we trusted them enough to choose a birth center delivery over a hospital birth. This decision required an enormous amount of trust, which the center ultimately betrayed.
My Delivery: The plan was to labor at home as long as possible, then arrive at the center for delivery. After 16 hours of labor at home with no doula help, I couldn't endure the pain any longer. We drove an hour and fifteen minutes in Miami rush hour traffic, but no one was there when we arrived. When Dr. Berryer finally checked me, I was told, after just 30 minutes, that I "couldn't be here" because I wasn't dilated enough--even though my cervix was extremely thin, contractions were a minute apart and babies head was low. I was told to stop timing my contractions, "take a Benadryl", and to "go home "or "get a hotel room" if I didn't feel like driving. They didn't offer a trial of labor or a follow-up check within an hour, as promised. Even the doula trying to assist me was dismissed by Dr. Berryer.
I was devastated and in excruciating pain. Two hours later, I gave birth--after being forced to hold my baby in for the last hour in Miami traffic. My body and baby was ready, but I had been denied access to the center I had paid for. At my in-laws' home, who are doctors, I couldn't even speak through the pain. Realizing the baby was coming, they rushed me back to the center. Again, no one was there when we arrived. By the time I walked in, my baby's head was crowning, and I delivered him moments later. Even then, Dr. Berryer walked in the room asking about my dilation, showing an appalling lack of awareness. When I was discharged from the center, I was rolled out to the car in an office chair.
Postpartum Neglect: The center failed to submit our baby's birth certificate to the state until a month later, delaying our ability to secure health insurance. It took five or six emails to get them to send the document. Their negligence caused significant stress during a critical time. Booking my post partum appointment took several phone calls and messages. I only went to one post partum appointment to make sure my stitches were healing correctly and then I skipped the final appointment due to feeling unsafe in the centers care.
Weeks Leading Up to Delivery: At 36 weeks, my regular provider was absent, and a stranger conducted my appointment without explanation. When I asked about my provider, the new staff member claimed not to know her. Over the next week and a half, I repeatedly reached out for clarification, but my calls and messages went unanswered. Finally, 11 days later, Nastassia returned my call- just days away from me giving birth. Her response to my concerns was dismissive and unprofessional, focusing on outstanding bills rather than addressing my fears for my and my baby's safety. Essential tests and procedures had been neglected, further compounding my anxiety. Nastassia, whom is employed by Dr Sancetta, has the warmth of someone working with criminals at a woman's prison. I am unsure how she is employed at a place meant to make women feel seen and heard.
Final Thoughts: This center is dishonest and incompetent. They abandoned, lied to, and financially exploited me during one of the most vulnerable times in my life. I don't know if their behavior is malicious or purely inept, but I wouldn't wish my experience on anyone. Please take the negative reviews seriously--mine included. Women who write these reviews are not taking precious time in their post partum period for no good reason; they are trying to protect others from trauma.
Miami Holistic Birth Center failed to deliver the care they promised, leaving me traumatized and betrayed. I urge anyone considering this facility to look elsewhere for a safe and compassionate birthing experience.