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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.