New UEA study to help new mums stay smoke free

The research will offer new parents ongoing support - to help them stay away from tobacco once their child is born

Matthew Horwood / Alamy Stock Photo
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 17th Jan 2022

A new study at the University of East Anglia is looking at ways to support new mums who've just quit smoking, to help them stay smokefree.

Many expectant mothers quit during pregnancy, but some end up going back to smoking after having their child, especially if they struggle with the pressures of parenthood.

A team at UEA are now looking at ways to change that.

Working with the Norfolk Health Visiting Service, they've designed a new support project called BabyBreathe.

Lead researcher Prof Caitlin Notley, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said:

“At the moment there is no routine support available to encourage new mums to stay smoke-free after childbirth. It’s a big problem as around 75 per cent of women who quit smoking for pregnancy relapse before their baby turns one.

Many new parents find it difficult to stay away from smoking after giving birth

“This can severely affect the health of the mother and baby. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in adults.

"And babies exposed to second-hand smoke have higher risks of cot death, breathing problems and ear infections. Also, children of smokers are three times as likely to start smoking themselves later in life.

“We want to change that.”

New mums taking part in the study will get support from a health visitor after their baby is born.

They'll also get support through text messages and advice on using nicotine patches or e-cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco.

Prof Notley said: “They will also have access to a dedicated website, and the BabyBreathe app, where there are lots of specially designed interactive resources for mums, and dads too.”

If you want to get involved, contact babybreathe@uea.ac.uk

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