About Baby & me - tobacco free™
Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™: A Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Smoking during pregnancy is a major public health concern that can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other health problems. Despite these risks, many women continue to smoke during pregnancy due to addiction or lack of support.
The BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program™ is an evidence-based smoking cessation program designed specifically for pregnant and postpartum women who smoke. The program was developed by Health Education Training Institute (HETI) in collaboration with researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. It has been implemented in over 30 states across the United States since its inception in 2006.
The goal of Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™ is to reduce tobacco use among pregnant women by providing them with education, support, and incentives to quit smoking before or after giving birth. The program consists of four prenatal counseling sessions followed by monthly postpartum counseling sessions up until six months after delivery.
During each session, participants receive personalized counseling on how to quit smoking using evidence-based techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy. They also receive information on nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) options such as gum or patches if needed.
One unique aspect of Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™ is its incentive program which rewards participants who remain tobacco-free throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period with vouchers for free diapers. This incentive has been shown to be effective in motivating women to quit smoking as well as maintaining abstinence from tobacco use.
In addition to individual counseling sessions, Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™ also offers group classes where participants can connect with other mothers who are going through the same experience. These classes provide a supportive environment where women can share their struggles and successes in quitting smoking.
The program has been evaluated in several studies and has shown promising results. A randomized controlled trial conducted by the University of Kentucky College of Nursing found that women who participated in Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™ were more likely to quit smoking during pregnancy and postpartum compared to those who received standard care. Another study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing found that the program was associated with a significant reduction in preterm birth rates among participants.
Overall, Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™ is an effective smoking cessation program for pregnant and postpartum women who smoke. It provides evidence-based counseling, support, and incentives to help women quit smoking before or after giving birth. The program has been implemented successfully across the United States and has shown promising results in reducing tobacco use among this vulnerable population. If you are a pregnant or postpartum woman who smokes or know someone who does, consider enrolling in Baby & Me - Tobacco Free™ for a healthier future for you and your baby!