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When you’re expecting, you’ve already got a lot on your plate. And quitting tobacco is difficult enough as it is without the stress of pregnancy. But with help from Community Health Network’s OB Nicotine Dependence Program, prenatal and postpartum mothers and those around them can find the help they need to tackle their tobacco use and take control of their, and their baby’s, health.
Smoking during pregnancy is the most modifiable risk factor for poor birth outcomes. By quitting nicotine, your baby will get more oxygen, leading to healthier brain and lung development. And quitting also minimizes the risk of asthma, ear infections, and behavior problems as your child grows. In fact, according to The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, tobacco dependence interventions for pregnant women reduce the number of low birth-weight babies and perinatal deaths, reduce the use of newborn intensive care units, shorten lengths of stay, and decrease service intensity.
And beyond all the benefits for the baby, there are plenty of benefits for the mother. “Women already feel stressed during pregnancy,” Regional Director of the Perinatal Center Martha Allen explains. “Breathing is difficult, they're exhausted, and their body feels out of their control. Quitting smoking is a way to take back control.” Nicotine cessation can increase energy levels, help with breathing issues, and reduce your risk of cancer.
Every mother receiving prenatal care at Community receives a general health screening. If nicotine use comes up, a Community Care Coordinator will reach out and support the mother in enrolling in the OB Nicotine Dependence Program. And thanks to the generosity of donors and support from the Community Health Network Foundation, the program is free.
Pregnancy is a huge motivator in quitting nicotine. According to Behavioral Health Care Coordinator Chelsea Walter, “Many women come in and say, ‘I’ve been trying to quit for 10 years and I couldn’t.’” But it’s the health of their future child that drives them to seek the support of Community.
The first appointment is all about getting to know the patient and making them comfortable. By understanding where they are in their life and in their health, Community experts can help set goals and outline a program that is right for the patient and their lifestyle.
Whether it’s a soon-to-be-mother who has already quit and just needs help keeping it that way or a pack-a-day smoker who isn’t even sure how to begin, the OB Nicotine Dependence Program is tailored to the patient. Integrated Behavioral Health Program Manager Theresa Heneghan explains, “It depends on how much support the mother wants. Some just want to check in a handful of times, and some need a lot of support.”
During the pregnancy, there are at least four face-to-face visits recommended. These visits are conveniently scheduled following prenatal care appointments when patients are already meeting with the clinic team. The program and the support we provide are tailored to individual needs through a combination of education and therapeutic support. Walter explains, “We look at their goals and barriers to care. Not just how tobacco use is affecting them health-wise, but social aspects, as well. After we educate, we get into how to best address their needs.”
For example, a patient usually smokes in the car and is having a hard time driving without smoking a cigarette. By keeping baby items in the car, they can be reminded of why they are quitting. By having an open conversation, Community can help mothers determine the personalized support they need to stop smoking.
And the program isn’t just for mothers. Nicotine users close to the pregnancy like a partner or a parent can get support through the OB Nicotine Dependence Program as well. We don’t just look at the needs of the patient, but the entire family, holistically.
Pregnancy is stressful. Quitting smoking, too. But with the support of a community, you can take control of your and your baby’s health. To find a prenatal care provider, call 317.621.2727 or visit Find a Doc today.
