Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy

	You know all the reason why you should quit and now you are ready to try!  Follow these links for more information on how to go about it.
	First things first Why and when do you smoke Getting support Now you are ready What to do if you slip

First things first:

On a piece of paper list your top four reasons for quitting – be specific.  Now post these reasons on your fridge, the bathroom mirror, or keep a copy in your purse or wallet so that you are reminded every day.  This list also might come in handy when you are tempted!

Why and when do you smoke:

Think about changing some of your daily habits that are tied with smoking.  For example, if you smoke with your morning coffee, switch to hot chocolate or herbal tea.  If you smoke when you watch TV, do something else with your hands like start a new craft, fold laundry, or paint your nails. 

Now make a list of when you smoke and a list of activities you can do instead of smoking.  You might want to consider things that keep your hands or your mouth busy like:

You may also feel like smoking when you feel upset, anxious, stressed or angry.  Instead of smoking when you feel these ways.  Try something like this:

• Go for a walk

• Do some deep breathing and stretching

• Talk to a friend or family member

• Listen to music

• Start a fun baby project

• Write down your feelings

Getting support:

A very important area of your quitting attempt is support from others.  Quitting smoking is easier if you have others to talk, to distract you, to support you, and to understand you.  Here are some ideas for getting support that will help:

• Tell your prenatal care team that you are quitting.  They will definitely support you and can give you lots of helpful information.

• Ask other people you are with to not smoke around you

• Warn those you are around often that you might be grumpy or tense and ask for there support

• Get help with chores and tasks you have to do in the first couple weeks of quitting to ease your stress

• Talk often with friends or family who have quit smoking as well.  They will know what you are going through and be a great source of encouragement.

Now you are ready:

Set a quit date!  The night before your quit day, review your reasons for quitting and then throw out any left over cigarettes.  Do your laundry so your clothing and bed sheets smell fresh and clean.  Be ready with your plan of how to cope with habits tied to smoking, and negative feelings you might have.  Keep telling yourself – “I am going to be a non-smoker”.

What to do if you slip:

It is not unusual to have a slip up or two when you quit.  Just remember a slip up is not a failure or reason to give up on quitting.  Review your reasons for quitting, and think about how to avoid temptation in the future.  Don’t forget about others who can support you.

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