The Year Ahead!

I have a request... :) Ok, it's a multi-point request, and I'm sure you would like to know what it is before you agree to it.

Here are the preceding events that have lead up to this moment:

I recently found out my doctor is retiring in June. For some reason, all of my medical doctors retire or move within a year of taking me on as a patient. Frustrating!

I am now extremely hypothyroid, but I still have my awesome endo-specialist in Portland. I feel sluggish, unmotivated, and generally depressed every morning, but I'm working hard to excavate the silver lining of each day! :)

I need to find a certified medical doctor with an (at the very least) lukewarm bedside manner.

Since we would like to have a baby in the next two years, give or take a few years, I am looking for a great OBGYN.


In all honesty, I have no idea where to start! As far as pregnancy & raising kids goes, there are so many different roads to choose from. I have no idea what type of mom I want to be yet or even what kind of home Steve & I want to have in two years.

Organic/Locally Grown or Made-in-China?
Convenience or quality?
Stay-at-home mom or work-from-home mom?


When and how did you learn or choose what path to take in your own life?


These endless thoughts leave me with this request:

Do you have advice/experience to share on these topics or any reading materials you can recommend concerning the following?

• The process of finding a new doctor -- Internal Medicine vs. Other?
  
  
• The process of finding an OBGYN.
  
  
• Midwife vs. Medical Doctor. Pros & Cons? Especially concerning my thyroid.
  
  
• Pre-, During, and Post-Pregnancy & Child training.

Books I've heard mentioned, but am unsure of:
Train Up a Child ~ Michael Pearl
What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Ed. ~ Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
Shepherding a Child's Heart ~ Tedd Tripp


Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :)