New Mothers
Did you know?
Quitting smoking while you're pregnant increases your chances of having a normal-weight, healthy baby.
Plan to Quit Smoking
If you are thinking about quitting, it helps to prepare.
What are your reasons for quitting? Make a list of your reasons.
When do you smoke? Think about when you typically smoke. For example: When drinking coffee, after a meal, when talking on the phone, after finishing a chore, when watching TV. Make a list of the situations when you often smoke.
It helps to change your daily habits Make a list of 3 daily habits you can change to reduce your chances of smoking.
Examples of possible changes:
| If you smoke when you: | Try doing this: |
| Drink coffee | Have hot chocolate or herbal tea |
| Finish a meal | Get right up, take a walk, or go into another room |
| Watch TV | Do something else with your hands (start a craft) and mouth (chew gum; eat a hard candy) |
Keep your hands and mouth busy Make a list of 4 things you can do with your hands and mouth instead of smoking.
Examples of ways to keep your hands and mouth busy:
| Your hands: | Your mouth: |
| Play with a rubber band | Chew gum |
| Hold a pen or pencil | Eat some fresh fruit |
| Draw or doodle | Use a straw or toothpick |
| Squeeze a rubber ball | Suck on hard candy |
| Work on a craft project | Sip water or juice |
Consider using nicotine replacement or medicine to help you quit Now that you are not pregnant, nicotine replacement products or medication may be helpful when you are trying to quit. Talk to your doctor or midwife before beginning any new medications or nicotine replacement products, even over-the-counter ones, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Nicotine Replacement Products & Prescription Medications | Over the Counter | Prescription: |
| Nicotine patch | Nicotine inhaler |
| Nicotine Gum | Zyban (also known as Wellbutrin and bupropion) |
| Nicotine Lozenge | Chantix (also known as varenicline) |
Figure out who can help you quit smoking. Click here for tips on getting support when trying to quit.