Smokers can choose not to smoke, but non-smokers cannot choose not to breathe!

No one can make you quit smoking. The benefits of quitting are a gift you alone can give yourself and your children.

QUIT NOW!

• Women who quit smoking when they are pregnant (or before) reduce the chances of miscarriage, premature delivery and stillbirth.
• Pregnant women who smoke often have smaller than normal babies. Their babies often have health problems later on in life.
• Infants of mothers who smoke have a greater chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Smoking increases the risk by restricting delivery of oxygen to the fetus and therefore causes subtle abnormalities in the brain stem area which can later lead to a sudden failure of respiratory control. The disease usually strikes without warning when the infant is asleep. Passive smoking after the baby is born also increases the risk of SIDS.
• Babies and small children whose parents smoke have more colds, ear infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. Studies worldwide have proven that babies born to smokers have a much greater chance of developing severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory problems and complications.
• Cigarette smoke can act as a trigger for children with asthma or other lung diseases.
• Parents who smoke may not be around to watch their children grow up.
• Smoking during pregnancy is linked to long-term developmental problems in children.

Is it Okay to smoke after the baby is born?

NO! When a mother smokes and breast feeds, nicotine can be found in the milk even five hours after the last cigarette. Smoke irritates children's eyes and nasal passages. Children of smokers are more likely to become smokers than are children of non-smokers. It is important that your child has a completely smoke-free environment!!!

For a step by step quitting program, click here.