Fetal Developement

Hi C.,

My college roommate was a smoker when she was pregnant many years ago. She felt terribly guilty about this, but was addicted. My way of dealing with it was to love her unconditionally. I knew she felt bad enough already and had all the information she needed. I'm sure your friend knows how bad this is for her baby...and herself. Encourage her and drop the subject. If you feel you have to say something, just say,"I know you'll quit when you're ready. I have faith in you." Sometimes the more we pressure people the more stressed out they get and the habit (which relieves anxiety) continues.

You are a good friend to be concerned about her and her baby.
Good Luck and Best Wishes to your friend!

D.

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Here's a good resource that goes though all the effects:
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5854,00.html

The article also suggests methods to stop. There is a link to email to a friend. Tell her that this goes beyond the usual "smoking is bad" talk - it's one of the things that directly effects the fetus while she is actually smoking and for the long term. Some doctors say it's worse than some street drugs.

One thing to say, besides it just being bad, is that when she is smoking she's denying her baby oxygen. That specific fact kind of brings it home. Several studies have shown that the stress gives many babies a fast irregular heartbeat called tachycardia.

Hope the article helps, it's short, detailed and details positive action, including medicine her doctor can prescribe to help quit.

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Tobacco is one of the most addictive chemicals out there. The only way your friend will be able to quit, is if SHE wants to. Even then it is so hard many people can never kick the habit. She can go to the American Cancer Society website to get information and suggestions on ways to stop.

One of my best friends was able to kick the habit 4 years ago. She had tried many times. This time she had acupuncture, she used smokers gum and she asked every person around her to help her not to take a smoke.

I cut up tons of carrots, celery, cucumber, apples and jicama for her to keep in her fridge at home and at work. She also carried a Ziploc bag of these with her at all times. This seemed to help when she had an oral craving. She said she would become anxious when she could not have a “ciggie”. She drank lots of hot tea when this would happen.
She also became a huge bi—h. After about 2 weeks, her husband was about to throw her out of the house, but she began calming down.

Another friend stopped by smoking a whole cigarette and every few days, his roommate gave him a shorter cigarette (like a pacifier, shorter till there was nothing). This worked for him, he said he drank lots of coffee during this time.

Be sure to tell your friend you are proud of her each time she is able to do without. Comfort her when she fails and let her know she CAN do this. Remind her that this is her first gift to her child as a mother. There is nothing worse than picking up a baby that smells like cigarette smoke. You always want to give your child the best.

You are a good friend to want to help her.

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