State College, PA....pediatrician, midwife/ob-gyn, playgroups?

[empkag]

Hello everyone!  We are relocating to State College in about 2 weeks.  We are literally from the other side of the country and I know very little about State College (besides internet research and 1 visit last week).  We are relocating for hubby's job. 

Anyway, I would really appreciate any and all information on a good pediatrician.  We delay vaccinations, so I would prefer someone who would not lecture me every time, but most important is that they are competent (have had some bad experiences with negligent docs!). 

We are also trying to have another baby, so I would love a recommendation for a fantastic ob-gyn or midwife.  And lastly, we are moving so far from home and I am anxious to meet other families.  I am looking forward to meeting up with other moms/playgroups.  I have a 6 year old, 4 year old and a 9 month old.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!  Thank you, in advance!

[Caneel]

I don't have any recommendations for you but I have spent a lot of time in State College over the years and it is an awesome town.  I used to get there for my job and we visit as often as we can.  We are 1.5+ hours away and I have often told DH it is the one place I would be willing to move.

The university attracts people from all over the country and world.  The quality of life is great so it attracts all types, not just university people.  Keep your eye on the calendar of events.  There are lots of interesting festivals downtown that are family-focused.

Are you living close to town?  Football weekends will be crazy, insane busy.

[empkag]

Thank you for responding!  I have heard nothing but fantastic things about the area.  We were there last week house hunting and I think it is going to be a great move for our family.  We will be living in Park Forest and from what we could tell, there are lots of families in that area.  I scoped out everyone's backyards for swing sets and play toys. lol. 

Hopefully, I will meet some mamas who can give me the inside scoop, once we get there.  Glad to hear you like visiting it.  I am very interested to see how the crazy football weekends will be!!

Edited by empkag - 7/27/11 at 7:40pm

[jennifer413]

Did you find a midwife?

[empkag]

I did!  It has been so difficult finding an affordable midwife option.  I tried a couple of different ob-gyns and was really not comfortable with any of them.  I can't believe how unsupportive the medical community, in general, is about natural childbirth....at least in my experience.  I think when I first posted, we were still trying to conceive.  I am currently almost 33 weeks pregnant.  I accidentally stumbled across a facebook page that led me to find a Mennonite woman, who will do a homebirth!!!  So excited!  Nothing like the last minute.  I  have spoken to her a few times on the phone and will officially be meeting her this weekend.  Thanks for asking!

[nicole.schwartz]

You can also use the search function on the Midwives Alliance of Pa's website.  There are a few other midwives in that region of Pa.  Good luck!