Postpartum Intervention/Support Prevents Smoking Relapse, Extends Breastfeeding Duration
ScienceDaily (Oct. 4, 2010) — New mothers who smoke are less likely to breastfeed. But those who quit smoking during or just prior to becoming pregnant were significantly more likely to remain smoke free and continue breastfeeding if they received support and encouragement during the first eight weeks following child birth, according to a study presented Oct. 4, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in San Francisco.
Mothers who smoke are more than twice as likely to quit breastfeeding before their child is 10 weeks old, and more than 50 percent of mothers who quit smoking during their pregnancy, begin smoking again, usually two to eight weeks postpartum.
