Back to School Health Tips for Kids: Hygiene, Sleep & More

Wellness Tips
At Monadnock Community Hospital, we believe that wellness isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey we embark on together. That’s why we’ve launched our Wellness Wednesday campaign, an initiative designed to inspire, inform, and empower our community to lead healthier, happier lives.
As the school year kicks off, it’s the perfect time to boost your family’s defenses against common classroom germs. Our Infection Preventionist, Brian Earnshaw gives tips on how to keep you and your children safe and healthy this back-to-school season to protect children’s well-being and support their learning.
1. Prioritize Handwashing
Regular handwashing is one of the most effective defenses against common illnesses. According to the CDC, handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal disease by 23–40% and respiratory illnesses by 16–21%. In school children, it’s been shown to cut down on time out of school due to gastrointestinal illness by 29–57%. (Washington State Department of Health 1)
One study found that children who washed their hands at least four times daily experienced 24% fewer respiratory illness days and 51% fewer gastrointestinal illness days. (PMC 2)
2. Ensure Adequate Sleep
Sleep is critical for children’s health, learning, and emotion regulation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- 6–12 years: 9–12 hours per night
- 13–17 years: 8–10 hours per night. (CDC Archive 3)
Why this matters:
- Teens often don’t get enough sleep—around 72.7% of high schoolers are sleep-deprived. (Verywell Mind 4)
- Insufficient sleep is linked to poor attention, emotional difficulties, obesity, depression, and other health risks. (CDC Archive 5)
- Consistent bedtimes help reduce daytime tiredness; only about two-thirds of children get this routine.
3. Fuel with Nutritious Food
A balanced diet supports children’s growth, focus, and immunity. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. (CDC 6)
Tools like MyPlate make it easy with half the plate fruits and veggies, plus whole grains and protein (USDA). At home, offer healthy snacks, encourage water over sugary drinks, and involve kids in meal prep to build lifelong habits. (Mayo Clinic 7)
4. Monitor Stress and Mental Health
Did you know that roughly one in five children experiences mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges? These conditions can often go untreated, so it is vital to prioritize students’ emotional well-being as they return to school.
Schools can support mental health by creating a sense of safety, fostering strong adult and peer relationships, and embedding social-emotional learning into the school day. Consistent routines including bedtimes, check-ins and open conversations can help children feel understood, reassured, and ready to engage and flourish. (SAMHSA 8)
These are just a few ways you can keep kids safe during this back-to-school season. By focusing on simple habits like healthy eating, good sleep, handwashing and mental well-being, you can set your child up for a strong start this school year. Small, consistent steps go a long way in keeping kids healthy, happy, and ready to learn. When families, schools, and communities work together to support healthy routines, children thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Let’s make this school year one of wellness, growth, and success.
Stay well,
Brian Earnshaw, RN BSN
Infection Preventionist
Resources
- Handwashing to prevent illness at school (1)
- Impact of hand hygiene intervention on hand washing ability of school-aged children (2)
- Sleep in middle and high school students (3, 5)
- The role of sleep in teen mental health (4)
- Benefits of healthy eating for children (6)
- Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet (7)
- Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting our children for a successful year ahead (8)
Array ( [section_title] => [section_text] => [posts_selection] => auto_taxonomy_terms [section_posts] => Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 40632 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2025-08-19 13:06:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-08-19 17:06:29 [post_content] => [post_title] => Back to School Health Tips for Kids: Hygiene, Sleep & More [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => back-to-school-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-27 11:07:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-27 15:07:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=40632 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 39615 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-12-04 17:43:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-12-04 22:43:37 [post_content] => [post_title] => Children's Health Services at Monadnock Community Hospital [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => childrens-health-at-mch [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-27 11:07:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-27 15:07:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/womens-health-at-mch-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 39472 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-11-20 14:14:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-11-20 19:14:54 [post_content] => [post_title] => Nutrition for Maternal Health: A Comprehensive Guide [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => nutrition-for-maternal-health-2024 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 13:51:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 17:51:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/jaundice-newborn-care-pediatricscopy-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38029 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-09-30 07:20:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-09-30 11:20:13 [post_content] => [post_title] => Limb Lengthening Surgery | Solutions for Limb Length Discrepancies [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => benefits-limb-lengthening-surgery [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 14:25:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 18:25:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38029 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38604 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-09-16 08:16:40 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-09-16 12:16:40 [post_content] => [post_title] => Orthopedic Care for Young Athletes: Injury Prevention and Recovery [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => orthopedic-care-for-common-injuries [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 13:53:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 17:53:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38604 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38216 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-07-30 12:44:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-07-30 16:44:31 [post_content] => [post_title] => Pediatric Health Services at Monadnock Community Hospital [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => pediatric-health-at-mch [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-27 11:07:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-27 15:07:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38216 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38027 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-07-22 10:00:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-07-22 14:00:48 [post_content] => [post_title] => Bow Leg Correction Surgery | Osteotomy, Guided Growth Surgery [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => benefits-bow-leg-correction-surgery [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-20 11:11:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-20 15:11:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38027 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 37333 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-06-24 07:38:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-06-24 11:38:55 [post_content] => [post_title] => Guide to Preventing Youth Sports Injuries: Keeping Young Athletes Healthy [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => guide-to-preventing-youth-sports-injuries [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 14:20:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 18:20:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=37333 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 37377 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-05-27 08:13:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-27 12:13:37 [post_content] => [post_title] => Life-Changing Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery: Right Here in Your Community [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => pediatric-orthopedic-surgery [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 14:26:31 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 18:26:31 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=37377 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38169 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-05-01 19:47:40 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-01 23:47:40 [post_content] => [post_title] => Baby and Me Parent Support Group [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => parent-support-group [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-20 11:10:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-20 15:10:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38169 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38170 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2024-04-01 19:48:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-04-01 23:48:44 [post_content] => [post_title] => Understanding Birth Class [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => understanding-birth-class [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 14:19:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 18:19:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38170 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [11] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38281 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-30 16:49:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-30 20:49:29 [post_content] => [post_title] => Reach Out and Read Program [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => reach-out-and-read-program [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:46:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:46:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38281 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [12] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38255 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-20 15:24:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-20 19:24:32 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Influenza Treatment for Your Child [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => influenze-treatment-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:30:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:30:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38255 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [13] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38258 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-19 15:50:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-19 19:50:26 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Care for Head Injuries in Your Child [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => childrens-head-injury-care-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-28 13:15:33 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-28 17:15:33 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38258 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [14] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38257 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-18 15:42:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-18 19:42:29 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Ear Pain Treatment for Your Child [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ear-pain-relief-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-28 13:15:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-28 17:15:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38257 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [15] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38238 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-17 15:11:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-17 19:11:48 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Treatment for Vomiting and Diarrhea in Your Child [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => vomiting-diarrhea-treatment-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:30:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:30:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38238 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [16] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38223 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-17 14:38:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-17 18:38:46 [post_content] => [post_title] => Medication and Prescriptions for Your Child [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => medications-prescriptions-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:49:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:49:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38223 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [17] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38224 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-16 14:51:58 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-16 18:51:58 [post_content] => [post_title] => Accurate Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Dosages for Children [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ibuprofen-acetaminophen-dosages-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-20 11:30:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-20 15:30:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38224 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [18] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38275 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-15 16:23:22 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-15 20:23:22 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Jaundice Treatment for Your Baby [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => jaundice-newborn-care-pediatricscopy [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:30:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:30:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38275 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [19] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38259 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-15 15:59:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-15 19:59:00 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Diaper Rash Treatment and Prevention for Your Baby [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => diaper-rash-treatment-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-28 13:15:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-28 17:15:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38259 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [20] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38276 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-14 16:29:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-14 20:29:04 [post_content] => [post_title] => Protect Your Baby's Teeth from Cavities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => protect-baby-teeth-cavities-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:31:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:31:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38276 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [21] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38278 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-12 16:33:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-12 20:33:08 [post_content] => [post_title] => Comprehensive Circumcision Information [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => circumcision-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-22 17:34:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-22 21:34:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38278 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [22] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38279 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-11 16:36:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-11 20:36:24 [post_content] => [post_title] => Essential Summer Safety Tips for Your Kids [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-safety-tips-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:45:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:45:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38279 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [23] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38282 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-08 16:57:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-08 20:57:18 [post_content] => [post_title] => Essential Tick Prevention Tips [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => tick-prevention-tips-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:46:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:46:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38282 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [24] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38231 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-07 15:00:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-07 19:00:34 [post_content] => [post_title] => Effective Conjunctivitis Treatment for Your Child [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => conjunctivitis-treatment-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-28 13:15:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-28 17:15:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38231 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [25] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38220 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-06 13:23:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-06 17:23:43 [post_content] => [post_title] => Expert Pediatric Advice for Child Fever Treatment | Alternating Tylenol and Motrin [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => fever-treatment-pediatrics [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-31 11:49:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-31 15:49:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=38220 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [26] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 38857 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2014-04-15 14:41:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2014-04-15 18:41:54 [post_content] => [post_title] => Heartfelt Stories - Melissa's Experience with Nitrous Oxide During Childbirth at MCH [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => patient-stories-melissa-2014 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 14:04:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 18:04:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/patient-stories-delpapa-2024-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [27] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1589 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2013-11-17 09:42:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2013-11-17 14:42:07 [post_content] => Monadnock Community Hospital: Nitrous oxide now available in Peterborough maternity ward By Dave Anderson Monadnock Ledger-Transcript Monday, November 4, 2013 (Published in print: Tuesday, November 5, 2013)For more than 20 years, women giving birth in Canada, western Europe and Australia have had the option of using nitrous oxide to help them cope with pain during labor. But in the United States, where nitrous oxide is frequently used in dental offices, it has not been available in delivery rooms. But that’s about to change, and Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough is leading the way, the first hospital in New England and one of just a few in the country that has nitrous oxide equipment in its maternity unit. “No one treatment is right for everybody,” says Dr. Fletcher Wilson, the chief of obstetrics at MCH. “The more options available, the better off you’ll be. [Nitrous oxide] is used by the majority of the world. Why aren’t we doing it?” The hospital recently purchased two Pro Nox nitrous oxide delivery systems, which are relatively new to the U.S. market and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The units, which can be wheeled into a birthing room, include both a mask and a mouthpiece, either of which can be used by the patient to breathe in a 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Read full Ledger-Transcription article [post_title] => New Birthing Options at MCH [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => new-birthing-options-mch [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-29 14:12:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-29 18:12:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/?p=1589 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [posts_limit] => 30 [post_type] => post [taxonomy] => tag [terms] => children, pediatric health [section_id] => post-grid-9 )