Breastfeeding is recommended and best for your baby even if you are a smoker. If you’re a new mum, it’s very important to try to quit smoking. But even if you’re finding it difficult, it’s important not to stop breastfeeding. Your breastmilk will still protect your baby from infections and provide nutrients.
If you or your partner smoke, try to smoke outside so that your home stays smoke free. It’s also important not to share a bed with your baby if you smoke because this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding will give your baby a good start in life. If you quit smoking, you will no longer be passing on nicotine and other poisons from cigarette smoke to your baby through your breast milk. You will also cut down your baby’s exposure to tobacco smoke, which will help protect your child’s health. After the birth of your baby, smoking by either parent increases the risk of cot death and other health problems.
What if my partner smokes too?
If your partner smokes, this will also affect your baby’s health as you may be exposed to the smoke they exhale. By quitting together you will be able to support each other and will be taking a positive step towards protecting your baby from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke
Whenever a smoker lights up, second-hand smoke is produced. This is the smoke breathed out by the smoker, plus the smoke created by the lit end of the cigarette.
Exposure to second-hand smoke:
Research shows that children who live with smokers are more likely to try smoking themselves.
Why not quit together?
The moment you both stop smoking you’ll be protecting the health of your baby. If your partner or anyone else in the household would like to quit, speak to your midwife or stop smoking expert about them being referred to Help Me Quit. Alternatively, they can contact a member of the Help Me Quit team:
Call 0800 085 2219
Request a call back online www.helpmequit.wales/quit-now
Text HMQ to 80818
Additional Advice
If you need help or advice on how to quit please speak to your midwife.