Smoking and babies question???

Question

Ok, I picked up smoking again and I know it is a bad habit. For anyone who responds with "Don't smoke", "Your child will die" or anything of that silly nature will just be ignored and laughed at, I'm sure. Anyways, So my question is, is there anything else I can do to help my 3 week old be safe from smoke exposure? Here is what I do now:
1. When my husband or son is watching or holding her, I go outside and across street to smoke.
2. I take coat and over shirt off and put in bag that stays in back yard.
3. I go in and brush teeth, scrub hands and arms and fingernails with hospital scrubby that the Hospital gave us.
4. I change the rest of my clothing.
5. I never smoke around her, and we would never smoke in home.
I only smoke about 2 cigs a day and the extra things I do are not a problem or hassle for me. Is there anything else I could do??

Actually, I have smoked for years (not during pregnancy) and my 10 year old son STILL does not know I smoke! :)

Also, no..I do not breastfeed. My child was in NICU for 6 days and I accidentally let my milk dry up. I also just lost a family member to murder and this has brought on extra stress.

Hey kiddos, lets play nice on here ok? we don't want your mommies taking computer time away do we??? Hmmm?? Oh and my baby was in NICU for cord wrapped around neck and has nothing to do with smoking. :) Thanks

Answer 1

really, what you do is your business. it doesn't make you a 'bad mother' to smoke. (unless you are breastfeeding. then that would kind of be a give in.)

you are doing what you can to keep it all away from you children and thats a good thing! you are keeping clean after doing that so the baby won't smell it on you. in all honesty its still in your hair so the baby will still smell some-what of an odor on you, but not as much as coming back in to handle your baby right after smoking a cigg.

don't let these people get you down by telling you that you are a bad mother because YOU choose to smoke or that you are putting that in front of your children and what not. you are old enough to (i would hope so) so that is your choice.

if you are going to smoke, then keep on doing what you are doing, you are doing the best to keep it as far away from your children as you think neccessary. GOOD JOB!

X3

Answer 2

Yay you for giving up whilst pregnant!!! I also did the same thing when I found out I was 6 weeks pergnant and can gladly say I haven't picked up the habit again!!!
It does seem like a whole heap of effort just for 2 ciggies a day!!
Are you sue you really want the cigarette or is it you just want a bit of you time from bubby and that it your escape. If your husband/son is watching your child why not try going for a walk around the block to give yourself a break/clear your head. Take your mobile phone with you in case there are any problems and you have to get back quick!
If you can do this without a ciggie and have a little you time think of the money you can save and spend on your children!
Good Luck!!

Answer 3

It's good that you're covering your clothes, washing your hands, etc. before holding baby. It's unfortunate that you're not breastfeeding because this protects the baby better then almost anything else you could do. Your child will be at an increased risk for ear infections, lung infections and SIDS... not only because you're not breastfeeding but also because you smoke (even with all of the precautionary measures you're taking).

If you're only smoking 2 cigarettes a day then you know that you can quit no problem. It's not like you're a pack a day smoker for 20 years or something. You know it, and whether or not you want to hear it, the best thing you can do for your child is quit.

Answer 4

I've never smoked - so I can't judge!
Anyway, you seem to be going through a lot of work for only 2 cigarettes a day, which means it doesn't seem you are that addicted to cigarettes. My husband smoked a pack a day until I became pregnant! and he quit when we found out the baby was coming. He got on the Chantix pills and completely gave up smoking (and he had been smoking for 13 years!)
So, if you really want to quit, try Chantix! It's a RX .. but works wonders! You don't seem nearly as addicted as he was .. if he could do it .. you could do it!!
Definitely something to look into!!
(the RX is not very expensive .. and you'd save that much (and more) on cigarettes!)
good luck to you! God bless!

Answer 5

TWO!

I'll probably get some thumbs-down for this, but. You could worry less.

You could also breastfeed exclusively for six months, and keep going until at least age two.


edit: re. "Make sure that you'll not breastfeed her" -- NO

"Myth: A mother who smokes is better not to breastfeed.
Not true! A mother who cannot stop smoking should breastfeed. Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the negative effects of cigarette smoke on the baby's lungs, for example. Breastfeeding confers great health benefits on both mother and baby. It would be better if the mother not smoke, but if she cannot stop or cut down, then it is better she smoke and breastfeed than smoke and formula feed."

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/12more_bf_myths.html

If you are already using formula, at three weeks, it is not too late to switch back. Google "relactation."

edit 2: if you are interested in breastfeeding -- really, it's not too late... Get good help, though.

"How can you find a lactation consultant?"
http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bbreastfeed/0,,3x7w,00.html

Seriously, that's the best thing you can do for your baby.

Answer 6

It sounds like you are doing the right thing - being aware that smoking can harm your child and taking precautions so second hand smoke won't harm him or her. The only thing I would advise you to do is not to allow visitors to smoke in your home or hold your child if they do (to avoid second hand smoke effects). I don't smoke or have kids but I know it is a very hard habit to give up. Are you willing to give it up altogether ? You didn't mention where you live in but I'm sure there are programs being run in your community that will help you quit. Best of luck to you and your family and congratulations on your newborn.

Answer 7

That basically makes me so mad! I smoke yet I virtually cover from my little ones and smoke in basic terms outdoors and in no way in my vehicle,my %. is often out of attain and that woman is a wack job!wow human beings rather are being concerned much less and much less approximately their little ones these days.

Answer 8

if your truly not able to quit then id say you are doing a wonderful job already of keeping her away from any second hand smoke exposure many parents just go to the other room (i know of a few) so i think you deserve some credit for your efforts

props to you

Answer 9

If you absolutely must smoke, and understand that it is horrible for you, then you are doing the best you can to keep her away from being exposed to second hand smoke.

Remember that when she gets older, she'll know that you are smoking, and children of smokers are more likely to pick up the habit themselves...

EDIT - you may only think he doesn't know...and even if he doesn't yet, he will figure it out. Really. The smell doesn't magically disappear, for one thing.

Answer 10

I think your doing the best that you can and doesnt seem like 2 smokes a day is going to hurt her.After all im sure your not blowing it in her face or anything like that.Im sorry for your loss!!

Answer 11

If your son doesn't know yet, he will. That smell is always there after. I can tell when clients are smokers from the smell. Actually, I can tell when the clients are smokers from the way the pets smell when they bring them in.

Keep doing what you are doing if you feel you must. It will be better in the long run if you quit now. You may feel you need one, but you don't.