Message from the President

Dear Community Members,

Welcome to the web site of Exeter Hospital and its affiliates Exeter Healthcare, Core Physicians, Rockingham Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, and Synergy Health & Fitness.

Exeter Hospital and its affiliates are proud of their leadership in healthcare in New Hampshire. We have been an important part of the community for over 100 years, with our beginnings as the Exeter Cottage Hospital in 1892. At a time when healthcare is experiencing remarkable change and uncertainty, we continue our commitment to providing extraordinary patient care.

The physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and community organizations associated with Exeter Hospital and its affiliates provide a full spectrum of services for people throughout their lives. Caring professionals and modern technology are available to you on the campus of the Hospital and in the surrounding communities.

The physicians affiliated with Exeter Hospital represent a wide range of specialties and possess exceptional capabilities. Our dedication to the provision of quality health care is reflected in our commitment to clinical leadership and development. As a result, advanced technology and highly qualified medical specialists continue to put us at the forefront in such areas as cardiovascular care, gastroenterological services, orthopaedic medicine, comprehensive oncological care, head and neck specialties, birthing services, and complete reproductive care.

Since its inception, Exeter Hospital and its staff have never hesitated to support those in need. In 2006, Exeter Hospital and its affiliated organizations provided more than $18.9 million in community benefits, including free medical care, charitable support of essential community agencies, pediatric dental care outreach, and increased access to needed pharmaceuticals for the under-served.

Many changes are taking place at Exeter Hospital as we continue to maintain our status among the premier hospitals in the region. The opening of the new Emergency Department in 2006 doubled the size of the existing facility, and new Surgical Suites allow our affiliated surgeons to employ advanced techniques, including computer aided navigation for total joint replacement. The Center for Cancer Care received an outstanding achievement award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer - one of only two hospitals in New England to receive the prestigious award. Most recently, Exeter Hospital unveiled a new Intensive Care Unit as well as a renovated Family Center, which provides comprehensive labor and delivery services in a state of the art, hotel-like environment.

Developments in information technology have allowed Exeter Hospital to implement an electronic medical record, including medication recording system, which helps to further streamline patient care delivery and ensure patient privacy.

As Exeter Hospital and its affiliates respond to the demands of the present and anticipate the needs of the future, we remain committed to serving our mission of improving the health of the community by providing superior health care services.

To your continuing good health,

Can you tell the gender of my baby by the baby's heart rate?
No. Some say that the baby's heart rate is an indication of the gender, but we have found that it is not an accurate indicator.

How long will I be in labor and when will my baby arrive?
Unfortunately, there is no way of answering this question. Every woman's labor is different, and there are many different variables that affect the length, effectiveness and time of your labor and delivery.

Will the epidural slow down my labor?
Sometimes, labor can go slower after an epidural. Because you are inactive, in bed, and not able to walk, it may slow down your labor. However, with some individuals an epidural may actually allow for relaxation. This relaxation may result in the baby moving more quickly through the birth canal. It is important to remember that while the epidural will take most of the pain away, you will still feel pressure from the baby moving through the birth canal.

When can I get my epidural?
An epidural is anesthesia that is placed in your back. It numbs your body from the waist down, and relieves most of the pain of labor. Different providers have different thoughts about when the epidural can be done. Some providers require a patient progress to four centimeters before they get the epidural. Others will allow for it sooner in labor. We suggest that you discuss this subject with your provider.

How do I know when it is time to push?
When you are fully dilated and the baby is in position, your body will tell you that it is time to push. The urge to push is natural and you may find your body doing it with no direction from you what-so-ever. At this point, as long as your are fully dilated, your nurse will help you through this final stage of labor.

How do I push effectively?
Use your abdominal muscles, positioning chin to chest, and take a deep breath and push, while pulling your legs up to your chest. This is the most effective way to help your baby advance through the birth canal.

Will the pain get worse as my labor progresses?
Yes. The pain of labor is something that can be controlled with relaxation techniques, medication, or by means of an epidural. You may also choose to practice Hypnobirthing, which is taught in a class prior to delivery. Any of these options are available in the Family Center to make your labor as comfortable as possible.

When will my milk come in?
The average length of time it takes for breast milk to come in is 3-5 days. This varies from one individual to another. If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our Lactation Consultants at (603) 580-4324.