Senior Health

Our philosophy of the Art of Wellness means we try to help you with all aspects of your health—mental and physical. Hopefully we can prevent problems before they happen. But if an issue arises, we will help you find the solution that best suits you and your lifestyle.

Home Care and Hospice
Learn more about our home care and hospice services by visiting the Rockingham VNA & Hospice, an affiliate of Exeter Resources.

OASIS Club
Welcome to the OASIS Club (Older Adult Services and Information Systems).
Exeter Hospital's OASIS Club provides a network of opportunities. The program is designed to promote the Art of Wellness to adults over the age of 55. Enrollment is free and individuals may call and request an application to join.

The mission of the OASIS Club is:

"To improve the health and wellness of older adults in our community by providing resources for healthy living."

Benefits of enrollment in the program include-

Quarterly Newsletters
Health education
Discounts in the hospital café
Travel club discounts
Lifeline system discount
Health screenings on the mobile medical van
Information and referral assistance
Monthly dinner theater
Luncheons
Seasonal socials

For more information about OASIS call (603) 778-6520.
To print out a membership application, click here.

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.