When Mom lights up, baby ‘smokes’ too
Forty percent of children are exposed to tobacco smoke each day – often in their own home. The lingering chemicals can also be present in on furniture, carpet, drapes, clothing and other places in their household. This contact presents additional risks and is often referred to as third-hand smoke exposure. (Courtesy photo, Sanders County)
“Jenny smokes two packs a day. So does her mom.”
This billboard message was posted off Interstate 90 in Mineral County a few years ago by our state’s health department. Patricia Nichols, one of the early Tobacco Prevention Specialists for Sanders and Mineral counties, remembers it well.
If you passed by it, most likely you do too.
Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals, which contribute to heart disease, stroke, lung diseases and many kinds of cancer. Add a baby into the equation, and it isn’t just a mother’s health at risk, but also their baby’s.
Having a healthy baby is why medical professionals encourage pregnant women to stay smoke-free, or to become smoke-free.
When pregnant moms stop smoking, babies:
- Grow and are born at a better birth weight;
- Get more oxygen, even after just one day;
- Are less likely to have certain birth defects;
- Their brains, lungs and other organs develop better; and
- Are less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Children NOT exposed to smoke have:
- Fewer coughs and chest colds;
- Lower risk for bronchitis or pneumonia (lung problems);
- Fewer ear infections; and
- Fewer asthma attacks and wheezing problems.
Moms who quit smoking, are:
- Less likely to miscarry (lose) their baby;
- Have less risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery;
- Have more energy and breathe more easily; and
- Are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related diseases.
Quitting before pregnancy, or early in pregnancy is best, but it’s never too late to quit smoking, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Quitting tobacco can be hard, but it is possible. For mothers, it is one of the most important things they can do to protect their own health, and the health of their babies.
Fortunately, Montana has FREE quit programs for anyone who wants to stop. The Montana Tobacco Quit Line offers extended benefits to expectant and newly-delivered moms through its Pregnancy and Post-Partum Program.
Mothers must enroll while pregnant to be eligible for the specialized benefits.
All who call the Montana Tobacco Quit Line receive coaching from trained cessation coaches. Women in the Pregnant and Post-partum Program receive their help from a dedicated female coach they talk to each time they call.
They also receive cash incentives for every coaching call they complete, for up to nine calls.
In the Pregnancy and Post-partum Program, a mom can also receive free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with her doctor’s approval, and additional free NRT for the period after her baby is born.
A doctor or physician’s assistant can refer moms to the Montana Tobacco Quit Line, or women can enroll in the program on their own, by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. (Be sure to tell them you’re pregnant).
The Tobacco Prevention Programs in Sanders and Mineral counties are available with support and more information.
- In Sanders County, please contact Sandra Gubel, 827-6901 or sgubel@co.sanders.mt.us
- In Mineral County, call Barb Jasper, RN, 822-3564 or bjasper@co.mineral.mt.us
Sandra Gubel is the Sanders County Tobacco Prevention Specialist