The Family Center
The Family Center at Exeter Hospital, Inc. is dedicated to making the families of our community strong and healthy. From the birthing process through discharge, nursery, and pediatric care, the Family Center offers a safe, comfortable, and secure environment for children and their parents:
- Centralized monitoring
- Operating Room suite with full capabilities to perform routine or emergency caesarean sections
- On-site Lactation consultant
- Hotel-like bathrooms complete with whirlpool tub for laboring mom
- Full-size sleep sofa and glider for comfort of family
- Flat-screen televisions
- Dining space with refrigerator
- Hypnobirthing and whirlpool hydrotherapy baths to promote relaxation
Plus, our relationship with regional world recognized leaders in the field of obstetrical care, affords our medical staff additional resources in the fields of neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, labor, and delivery.
Our care for families includes:
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. In addition, babies born at Exeter Hospital wear a locator until they are discharged from the Hospital.
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 PKU Screening.
FAQ
The Family Center also has a Level I Nursery, with several beds for newborns requiring medical support such as oxygen, antibiotics, or IV's.
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 PKU Screening.
FAQ
A Level I Nursery provides care to newborns who need extra support in the first hours of life. The Family Center's Level I Nursery has several beds and offers care for newborns requiring medical support such as oxygen, antibiotics, or IV's.
Exeter Hospital's four-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 comfortable 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.
For moms delivering at Exeter Hospital, the Family Center 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 1-800-4-EXETER(1-800-439-3837) between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Classes are held in the Exeter Hospital conference rooms located on the 3rd 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.
"Your Pregnant Body"—In this 2 hour class a licensed physical therapist will discuss the changes that occur to your back and body during pregnancy, ways to alleviate minor discomforts, how to prevent injury, and strategies to condition your body for the challenges of childbirth. This class is strongly recommended for all first time mothers before taking the Prepared Childbirth classes. Partners/support persons are welcome!
Prepared Childbirth Series—(4 sessions)—Taught by registered nurses who are also certified childbirth educators, the classes cover labor, delivery, 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 are included. This series of 4 classes is offered on weekday evenings.
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 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. "Your Pregnant Body" is strongly recommended before taking the "Saturday Express".
For the Prepared Childbirth classes, 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!
"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 held the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 8-9 p.m. following the Epidural and Cesarean Birth Class.
"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 evening class from 6:30-9:30 p.m. offers a concise review of what is presented in the 4 part series. Also discussed are the differences with having another child, and recent changes in practices and technology. A birth video and tour of the Family Center are included.
Sibling Class—This 1 hour class is aimed at children 2-10 years old, and includes a tour, short 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. Offered monthly on a weekday and/or Saturday morning. One or both parents are welcome to attend.
For everyone....
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 Mom and her partner/support person.
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 scheduled the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 7-8pm.
"Your Pregnant Body"—See earlier description under "For first time parents". This class is appropriate for any expectant mother and partner/support person.
Supplemental Hypnobirthing Class—For those taking private hypnobirthing classes, this 2 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.
To optimize the learning experience, class size is limited, so please register early. 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 complete their childbirth program approximately 4-6 weeks before their due date.
"Your Pregnant Body"—In this 2 hour class a licensed physical therapist will discuss the changes that occur to your back and body during pregnancy, ways to alleviate minor discomforts, how to prevent injury, and strategies to condition your body for the challenges of childbirth. This class is strongly recommended for all first time mothers before taking the Prepared Childbirth classes. Partners/support persons are welcome!
Prepared Childbirth Series—(4 sessions)—Taught by registered nurses who are also certified childbirth educators, the classes cover labor, delivery, 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 are included. This series of 4 classes is offered on weekday evenings.
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 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. "Your Pregnant Body" is strongly recommended before taking the "Saturday Express".
For the Prepared Childbirth classes, 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!
"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 held the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 8-9 p.m. following the Epidural and Cesarean Birth Class.
"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 evening class from 6:30-9:30 p.m. offers a concise review of what is presented in the 4 part series. Also discussed are the differences with having another child, and recent changes in practices and technology. A birth video and tour of the Family Center are included.
Sibling Class—This 1 hour class is aimed at children 2-10 years old, and includes a tour, short 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. Offered monthly on a weekday and/or Saturday morning. One or both parents are welcome to attend.
For everyone....
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 Mom and her partner/support person.
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 scheduled the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 7-8pm.
"Your Pregnant Body"—See earlier description under "For first time parents". This class is appropriate for any expectant mother and partner/support person.
Supplemental Hypnobirthing Class—For those taking private hypnobirthing classes, this 2 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.
To optimize the learning experience, class size is limited, so please register early. 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 complete their childbirth program approximately 4-6 weeks before their due date.
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 as a 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.
Our affilitation with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center also affords our medical staff additional resources in the fields of neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, labor, and delivery.
PARENT AND BABY GROUPS
Parenting a baby can be a wonderful time in your life! However, many parents have questions and may experience some isolation during that first year. Information is helpful but also important is getting together with others who are going through the same experience. The Family Center offers this opportunity with the Parent and Baby Groups. The group meets usually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and Thursdays of each month. Each session will include a presentation (topics are listed below). Parents can share experiences and have their questions answered by each other and by our new group leader, Mimi Mandile, an accomplished registered nurse who has worked in the field of Maternal and Child Health since 1972. Mimi possesses many certifications and intends to share with you her knowledge and skills as an infant massage instructor and also as an experienced mother of two grown children.
Due to construction within the Family Center, please note that all groups will meet in the new main hospital building North Conference rooms on the 3rd floor opposite the new gift shop.
The days and times for the groups are:
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 9:30-10:45am: Babies from Birth-6 Months
2nd and 4th Thursdays 9:30-10:45am: Babies from 7-12 Months
These groups are FREE and offered as a community service by Exeter Hospital. No registration is necessary. For further information please call 1-800-4-EXETER (1-800-439-3837).
WINTER 2008
JAN 8: SPEECH THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MILESTONES
JAN 10: PHYSICAL THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN BABIES FROM 7-12 MONTHS
JAN 22: PHYSICAL THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT IMPORTANCE OF TUMMY TIME
JAN 24: SPEECH THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MILESTONES
FEB 12 AND 14: CHOOSING A SITTER
FEB 26 AND 28: SAFETY/CHOKESAVER
MAR 11 AND 13 CALMING A FUSSY BABY
MAR 25 AND 27: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITIES
***In case of inclement weather, the groups will be cancelled if school is cancelled for SAU 16. When in doubt, please call Exeter Hospital Information and Referral line at 778-7311 ext 6668.
PARENTS AND TWINS AND MORE GROUP
Parenting multiples presents many unique challenges and demands that require at least double the amount of ingenuity, stamina, strength, and patience on a regular daily basis! Come join the Parents and Twins and More group for a fun, informative morning out with your children. Susan Benton, who is a registered nurse, experienced mom, and a twin herself, will lead the group in a discussion involving issues pertinent to your situation. The goals of the group are to provide you with socialization, information, support, and the opportunity to meet other parents of multiples in the area. This is a great place to get your questions answered, your concerns addressed and the chance to share ideas and suggestions with other parents of multiples.
Parents/Twins and More is FREE and no registration is necessary. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 9:30-10:45am. Due to construction within the Family Center, please note that all groups will meet in the new main hospital building North Conference rooms on the 3rd floor opposite the new gift shop.
WINTER 2008
JAN 14: SHOPPING WITH TWO IN TOW AND TOP TEN TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY THIS WINTER
JAN 28: LEAD POISONING IN BABIES AND TODDLERS
FEB 11: MAINTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE AFTER HAVING TWINS: MOMS' NEEDS AND DADS' NEEDS
FEB 25: LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN TWINS
MAR 10: THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HAVING TWINS
*In case of inclement weather, the group will be cancelled if school is cancelled for SAU 16. When in doubt, please call the Exeter Hospital Information and Referral line at 778-7311 ext 6668.
Parenting a baby can be a wonderful time in your life! However, many parents have questions and may experience some isolation during that first year. Information is helpful but also important is getting together with others who are going through the same experience. The Family Center offers this opportunity with the Parent and Baby Groups. The group meets usually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and Thursdays of each month. Each session will include a presentation (topics are listed below). Parents can share experiences and have their questions answered by each other and by our new group leader, Mimi Mandile, an accomplished registered nurse who has worked in the field of Maternal and Child Health since 1972. Mimi possesses many certifications and intends to share with you her knowledge and skills as an infant massage instructor and also as an experienced mother of two grown children.
Due to construction within the Family Center, please note that all groups will meet in the new main hospital building North Conference rooms on the 3rd floor opposite the new gift shop.
The days and times for the groups are:
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 9:30-10:45am: Babies from Birth-6 Months
2nd and 4th Thursdays 9:30-10:45am: Babies from 7-12 Months
These groups are FREE and offered as a community service by Exeter Hospital. No registration is necessary. For further information please call 1-800-4-EXETER (1-800-439-3837).
WINTER 2008
JAN 8: SPEECH THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MILESTONES
JAN 10: PHYSICAL THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN BABIES FROM 7-12 MONTHS
JAN 22: PHYSICAL THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT IMPORTANCE OF TUMMY TIME
JAN 24: SPEECH THERAPIST FROM EXETER PEDI-REHAB TO PRESENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MILESTONES
FEB 12 AND 14: CHOOSING A SITTER
FEB 26 AND 28: SAFETY/CHOKESAVER
MAR 11 AND 13 CALMING A FUSSY BABY
MAR 25 AND 27: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITIES
***In case of inclement weather, the groups will be cancelled if school is cancelled for SAU 16. When in doubt, please call Exeter Hospital Information and Referral line at 778-7311 ext 6668.
PARENTS AND TWINS AND MORE GROUP
Parenting multiples presents many unique challenges and demands that require at least double the amount of ingenuity, stamina, strength, and patience on a regular daily basis! Come join the Parents and Twins and More group for a fun, informative morning out with your children. Susan Benton, who is a registered nurse, experienced mom, and a twin herself, will lead the group in a discussion involving issues pertinent to your situation. The goals of the group are to provide you with socialization, information, support, and the opportunity to meet other parents of multiples in the area. This is a great place to get your questions answered, your concerns addressed and the chance to share ideas and suggestions with other parents of multiples.
Parents/Twins and More is FREE and no registration is necessary. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 9:30-10:45am. Due to construction within the Family Center, please note that all groups will meet in the new main hospital building North Conference rooms on the 3rd floor opposite the new gift shop.
WINTER 2008
JAN 14: SHOPPING WITH TWO IN TOW AND TOP TEN TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY THIS WINTER
JAN 28: LEAD POISONING IN BABIES AND TODDLERS
FEB 11: MAINTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE AFTER HAVING TWINS: MOMS' NEEDS AND DADS' NEEDS
FEB 25: LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN TWINS
MAR 10: THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HAVING TWINS
*In case of inclement weather, the group will be cancelled if school is cancelled for SAU 16. When in doubt, please call the Exeter Hospital Information and Referral line at 778-7311 ext 6668.
