Maternity at the Family Center

"Having a baby." Those three simple words cannot do justice to the excitement, nervousness, and reward that surrounds giving birth. We understand how deeply emotional the experience can be. Which is why our team of affiliated physicians, nurses, and staff are committed to providing the best care and support for both mother and baby before, during, and after the birth.

Our commitment extends to the design of the facility, too, with the goal of making each family as comfortable as possible. That's why each room has:

A large Jacuzzi tub for hydrotherapy during labor
A Flat screen TV
A couch bed for coach
A personal refrigerator
All Private Rooms
Room service meal ordering

Not only that, we also offer:

Inpatient and outpatient lactation services
A free home visit
Childbirth education classes
Parent-Baby groups
Parent-Toddler group
Parent-Twins and More group
Breast-feeding support group
Infant massage

The Center also has a relationship with some of the leading institutions in obstetrical and pediatric care, including Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Brigham & Women's Hospital.

We invite you to learn more:

The Family Center offers natural techniques, including hypnobirthing and whirlpool hydrotherapy baths to promote relaxation. We also feature centralized monitoring and an Operating Room suite with full capabilities to perform routine or emergency caesarean sections.

We are affiliated with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital for the provision of advanced care for high-risk pregnancy and birth.

The Nursery at the Family Center provides many important services to newborns at Exeter Hospital. Our security system provides maximum protection for newborns and peace of mind for parents.

After your baby arrives, there are several items that must be completed before you leave the hospital, including the Birth Certificate Worksheet, the Social Security Card, and various testing procedures. Testing performed in the Nursery includes Newborn Hearing Screening and Newborn Metabolic Screening.

Exeter Hospital's five-bed Pediatric unit is located separately from the rest of our unit in order to provide our patients and their parents or guardians with the privacy and security they need. Our rooms offer a private bathroom, high visibility from the nurse's station, and the same homey feeling that exists in the rest of the Family Center.

Our goal is to make each hospital stay as comfortable as possible for both child and parent. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay with their children during their stay with us. To that end, we provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for those who wish to stay the night.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY CENTER!

The Family Center at Exeter Hospital offers a wide variety of FREE classes to help prepare for the birth of your baby. Below is a brief description of each class. For more information or to register, please call 1-800-4EXETER (1-800-439-3837) between the hours of 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Classes are held in the North conference rooms located on the 3^rd floor of the main building opposite the parking garage. Sessions fill quickly; to ensure placement in the session of your choice, PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE YOUR 20th WEEK OF PREGNANCY. Most families will be scheduled so that they will complete their childbirth program about 4-6 weeks before their due date. To ensure optimum learning experience, there is a limit to the number of participants in each group.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH PROGRAMS

For first time parents....

"Your Pregnant Body" - This is the FIRST class that ALL expectant couples should take. A physical therapist will discuss the changes that occur to your body during pregnancy, ways to alleviate minor discomforts, how to prevent injury, and strategies to condition your body for the challenges of childbirth. Partners/support persons will have the opportunity to try on the "empathy belly" simulator to better appreciate what it's like to be pregnant!

*Prepared Childbirth Series - (4 sessions) - Taught by registered nurses who are also certified childbirth educators, the classes cover labor, birth, strategies for managing discomfort in labor (e.g. breathing and relaxation techniques), and various technologies that may be used. A tour of the Family Center and birth video clips are included. This series of 4 classes is offered on weekday evenings. It is expected that you complete "Your Pregnant Body" class before beginning this series.

*All Day "Saturday Express" Prepared Childbirth Program - This comprehensive class is designed for those unable to attend the weekday evening series, is held on Saturday, and covers what the 4 evening sessions do but with less practice of breathing and relaxation skills. The class meets from 8:30am-4:30pm with a break for lunch. It is expected that you complete "Your Pregnant Body" class before taking the "Saturday Express".

*For the 2 Prepared Childbirth classes listed above, please dress in light, comfortable, loose clothing because you'll be on floor mats for part of each class. Please also remember to bring 2 pillows!

Epidural and Cesarean Birth Session - A physician from the anesthesia department will inform you about the various types of analgesia and anesthesia available to you as options for comfort during labor and delivery and also help prepare you for a Cesarean birth if that becomes necessary. This 1 hour class is usually scheduled the 2^nd Wednesday of every month from 7-8pm immediately before the "Amazing Newborn" class.

"The Amazing Newborn" - A pediatric nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist will acquaint you with the various appearances and behaviors of a normal newborn and what you can expect in the first few weeks of your newborn's life. Highly recommended for 1st time parents, this class is usually held the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 8pm-9pm following the Epidural and Cesarean Birth Class.

Breastfeeding Session - Taught by a certified lactation consultant, the benefits of breastfeeding, the process of learning how to breastfeed and helpful techniques are just some of the topics covered in this 2 hour presentation. This class is highly recommended for both the expectant mother and her partner/support person.

"Basic Training for Dads" is a unique workshop taught by men for men. Experienced male instructors and dads who bring along their young infants will teach expectant dads about baby care, fatherhood, and the needs of new moms - all from a guy's perspective. New dads (with or without their infants) are also welcome.

For those who have been through Labor and Delivery with a previous child....

Refresher Class - This 3 hour class offers a concise review of what is presented in the 4 part series, differences with having another child, and recent changes in practices and technology. Birth video clips and tour of the Family Center are included.

Sibling Class - This lively 1 hour class is aimed at children 2-10 years old, and includes a tour, short
5 minute video, and interactive instruction to learn what being a big brother or sister is all about. Please have your children bring a baby doll or stuffed animal to "practice" holding and wrapping. We have found that the tour of the Family Center is especially helpful for all participants, especially the very young, because they get to see where Mom is going to be when she has the new baby. This class is offered monthly on a Saturday morning. One or both parents are encouraged to attend.

For Those Taking Private HypnoBirthing® Classes...

Supplemental HypnoBirthing® Class - For those taking private HypnoBirthing® classes, this 2 ½ hour class, taught by a registered nurse, will provide you with important Family Center information about routines, policies, infant security, and other available hospital resources appropriate for both you and your baby and concludes with a tour of the Family Center.

This information is not meant to replace advice given by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider.

For Mom:
After you return home, you may experience something that you are not sure is normal. The following is a brief summary of things you may want to look for and call your healthcare provider if you experience.

Soaking a maxipad in one (1) hour
Passing of plum-sized clots or tissue
Lower abdominal pain or increased cramping
Temperature of 100.5 or greater or chills
Foul odor from vaginal discharge
Burning sensation or pain while urinating or frequency of urination
Severe tenderness and reddening of breast(s)
Reddening or tenderness of incision/episiotomy and/or oozing drainage
Pain, redness, swelling or warmth of lower legs
Headache accompanied by changes in vision
Pain, redness, swelling or drainage at your IV site; check this three times daily for three days after you leave the hospital

For Baby:
If you notice any of the following symptoms during the first two (2) weeks, call your baby's physician.

A temperature over 100.4 axillary
Vomiting (not just spitting up)
Refusal of several feedings in a row
Excessive sleepiness or inconsolable crying as if in pain
Frequent, foul-smelling watery bowel movements
Increasing jaundice (yellow color) of the skin
Any cyanosis (blue color) of the skin (except hands and feet)
Any other problems that make you worry
If your baby had an IV: pain, redness, swelling or drainage at the site; check this three times daily for three days after you leave the hospital

The above is intended a sa guideline in the event of an unusual occurrence.We encourage you to call your healthcare provider with any concerns you may have regarding yourself or your baby.

FAQs

In the News:

Cottonwood Kids Adds Breastfeeding Bag to Hospital Offerings (Portsmouth Herald, October 18, 2009)

Getting Your Body Ready for Baby (Healthy Perspectives Magazine, Spring/Summer 2009)

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.