the Wedding Planner

Irish Wedding News

14/09/2015

'Stressed' Mothers More Likely To Start Smoking Again

Mothers who quit smoking in pregnancy are more likely to light-up again after their baby is born if they feel stressed, according to a new report.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia studied interviews with more than 1000 new mothers and found that the stress of caring for a newborn, sleepless nights, social pressure, and the idea that they no longer need to protect the baby – all contribute to relapse.

The study, published in Addiction, also found that women who felt they were being supported by a partner were less likely to start smoking again.

Lead researcher Dr Caitlin Notley said: "One of the most striking things that we found is that women’s beliefs about smoking are a major barrier to remaining smoke free. Many felt that smoking after the birth of their child was acceptable provided they protected their babies from second-hand smoke. Their focus is, admirably, on the health of the baby, but they often do not think about the long-term health consequences for themselves as mothers.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
Fairy Tales The Wedding & Events Specialists

"In order for women to continue their lives smoke free after pregnancy, we need to see a cultural shift – where women feel more motivated to remain abstinent, and where they feel more comfortable with the change of identity that motherhood brings. Support from partners is vital, but support from health professionals can be very important as well."

RCM professional policy advisor Janet Fyle said: "Some women stop smoking in pregnancy because they understand the need to protect the baby from the effects of smoking. However, some may resume smoking once they have given birth because of a misconception that there is no longer the need to protect the baby.

"This is why we need to tailor the messages we give to childbearing women about the effects of smoking. These negative effects not only impact on the fetus during pregnancy, they also have consequences for the woman's own health and wellbeing and that of other children and family members due to passive smoking."

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
1.757813E-02 3.137.178.133 Ban:1, But:2 29/04/2024

"Mothers who quit smoking in pregnancy are more likely to light-up again after their baby is born if they feel stressed, according to a new report."