SCRIPT: A Program to Help Pregnant and New Moms Quit Smoking

1/3 Of Newaygo County Moms-to-be are still smoking

Part 2 of 5: The Great American Smoke Out – Start Fresh and Quit Tobacco!

Giving birth to a healthy baby is a joyous occasion, one that all moms hope and pray for. And fortunately moms are great at doing what is best for her and her unborn child while she is pregnant.
But the addiction of nicotine, whether from smoking cigarettes or vaping, can cause that dream and prayer to become a nightmare. The reality is when a pregnant mom smokes, her unborn baby smokes too.
Nicotine addiction can affect anyone, and even the desire to grow a healthy baby can be undone because of this disease. In Newaygo County, at least one third of our pregnant moms smoke. That number may be more as often the new mom does not want to admit smoking or vaping to her physician.

So how does smoking or vaping affect a mother’s unborn child? Nicotine, whether from cigarettes or vaping, causes less blood to flow to the growing baby, leading to an underdeveloped and underweight newborn.  Plus the thousands of toxins in tobacco are absorbed by the baby through the mother’s blood.  These can affect the baby’s brain and lungs, and can cause premature birth of the baby with weeks spent in a neonatal intensive care unit that could have been prevented. As the child grows they can have learning disabilities, higher incidences of painful ear infections, asthma and other illnesses. Plus they grow up thinking that smoking is ok, because mom does it.

The good news is there is a great program right here in Newaygo County called SCRIPT: Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment. That long title is simply a step by step program that is offered by Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and District 10 Health Department. The program is free, and both Sally Wagoner and Karen Ripke are eager to help a pregnant or new mom get a Fresh Start and Quit Tobacco for her and her baby!
For more information about SCRIPT for pregnant moms, as well as other tobacco quit programs, contact: Sally Wagoner, RN, 231.924.7589; Karen Ripke, TTS, DHD 10, 231.689.7300; or email [email protected]
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People interested in learning more about quitting tobacco, chew or vaping are encouraged to attend one of the free “Great American Smoke Out- Start Fresh ” programs in November. Those who attend will receive a free “Tobacco Quit Kit” which will include information on how to quit for the day or quit for good on November 16, the Great American Smoke Out, along with resources about local classes and coaching programs.

The free Great American Smoke Out - Start Fresh Programs will be held:
Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.; and then at 12 noon - 12:30pm at The Stream, 1 State Road, Newaygo.