National Partnership Helps Pregnant Smokers Kick The Habit (NAPSA)—Health researchers are finding that simple new pro- grams could mean healthier Americans for generations to come. Consider the case of Stephanie Conner. She started smoking at age 14, and at times smoked as much as a pack and a half a day. Several years later, during her first pregnancy, Conner quit smoking because it made her nau- seated, but started again soon after giving birth. After the death of her uncle, a lifelong smoker who died of emphysema and lung cancer, Conner decided to quit if she became pregnant again. In the early stages of her second pregnancy, Conner enrolled in a cessation counseling program, which she said was effective in helping her to quit. “IT would have never madeitif I didn’t have the support and the i ty 4 J = 2 Ze Ww x . — > ee 4 i important thing a pregnant wo- man can do to improve both her health and the health of her unborn child,” said Cathy Melvin, Ph.D., M.P.H., National Partner- ship chair. “The Partnership is working to provide pregnant smokers with the help they want and the support they need to quit smoking.” people to talk to about how hardit was,said Conner. The cornerstone of the National Partnership’s efforts is a nurse at least every two weeks regular prenatal care visits, which and her nurse, Conner remains smokefree. more information. The site also has information for those who want to support a pregnant mated 20 percent of women smoke tips on how to help a pregnant Conner met or talked with her during her pregnancy, and she received a gift bag at the start of her program with items that would keep her hands and mouth busy when she craved a cigarette. With the support of her husband Conneris not alone. An esti- during pregnancy, which causes 20 percent of all low-birth-weight births and 10 percent of infant deaths each year. Research shows that many pregnant smokers want to quit but do not know where to get the help and support they needto doso. The National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit, a coalition of more than 40 organiza- tions, hopes to reduce the number of pregnant smokers through a nationwide effort to reach women, providers, and communities. “Quitting smoking is the most counseling approach, used during has proven to double or even triple quit rates. Pregnant smokers who would like materials and referrals to resources should visit www.smokefreefamilies.org for smoker they know. In addition to smoker during her quit attempt, the site also allows users to send personalized e-cards that offer supportive messages for pregnant smokers. For extra help quitting smoking during pregnancy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, pregnant smokers can call the Great Start Quitline, managed by the American Cancer Society, toll-free at 1-866-66-START. They can also get help by calling the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies phone line at 1-800-311- BABY (English) or 1-800-504-7081 (Spanish).
