Smoking cigarettes.

Amberrrr · March 2012

I know it's bad. I know. While I was pregnant I had to quit, and found the habit to be just completely disgusting. It smells. It's unhealthy. It's just gross. I was so sure I would never start back up again.

Well lately I've been facing a lot of issues. In my relationship with my husband, And I'm stressed kind of about going back to college this Monday. And of course being a first time mom is stressful in itself enough.

I've picked up the occasional cigarette. I feel like I need a bad habit. I've always been like that. It keeps me sane and feeling ... good... Weird? yeah whatever. Don't judge me. I didn't come here to be judged.

I breastfeed exclusively. I have read all over the internet that cigarettes don't last in the breastmilk, So I'd give LO a bottle of pumped breastmilk until I was in the clear about 2 hours later. My question is: is this okay to do? Is it really out of the BM? I mean if I smoke one cigarette a day, or every couple of days, is this fine?

iluvmylab · March 2012

From kellymom: https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/smoking/

The ideal: Stop smoking altogether.Cut down. The less you smoke, the smaller the chance that difficulties will arise. The risks increase if you smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day.Don?t smoke immediately before or during breastfeeding. It will inhibit let-down and is dangerous to your baby.Smoke immediately after breastfeeding to cut down on the amount of nicotine in your milk during nursing. Wait as long as possible between smoking and nursing. It takes 95 minutes for half of the nicotine to be eliminated from your body.Avoid smoking in the same room with your baby. Even better, smoke outside, away from your baby and other children. Don?t allow anyone else to smoke near your baby.

jess!ca · March 2012

If you once found the habit disgusting, could you find another "bad" habit for now? I know this sounds silly, but what if you treated yourself to some rich chocolate each day? Or a nice latte? (I have a starbucks latte on my way to work every morning. It's a bad, stupid, expensive habit, but I just don't care. It makes me feel better about going to my crazy job and leaving DD at daycare. LOL.)

The only reason I suggest this (and I"m not being judgy at all because I used to smoke a pack a day years ago, so I know how hard it is to quit) is that since you already gave it up (HUGE VICTORY FOR YOU) why go back now? Second hand smoke (and third hand) is no good for kiddos, and you already got through 9 months, which is so hard to do. I just wonder if you can find another fixation to use and make it one that may be a little more healthy than cigs.

GL with everything. I think you should be very proud of yourself for quitting during pregnancy! It is so so hard to quit. I remember!

Amberrrr · March 2012

jess!ca:

If you once found the habit disgusting, could you find another "bad" habit for now? I know this sounds silly, but what if you treated yourself to some rich chocolate each day? Or a nice latte? (I have a starbucks latte on my way to work every morning. It's a bad, stupid, expensive habit, but I just don't care. It makes me feel better about going to my crazy job and leaving DD at daycare. LOL.)

The only reason I suggest this (and I"m not being judgy at all because I used to smoke a pack a day years ago, so I know how hard it is to quit) is that since you already gave it up (HUGE VICTORY FOR YOU) why go back now? Second hand smoke (and third hand) is no good for kiddos, and you already got through 9 months, which is so hard to do. I just wonder if you can find another fixation to use and make it one that may be a little more healthy than cigs.

GL with everything. I think you should be very proud of yourself for quitting during pregnancy! It is so so hard to quit. I remember!

I was just thinking this today. I was thinking "I am going to kick my own a$$ if I pick this up again. It was so hard to quit, and I didn't have one for soo long." When I was pregnant I thought they were nasty. but I'm not anymore, and it's so tempting. One a day won't stay one a day for very long... that's how the habit starts to begin with.

mben1119 · March 2012

I smoke like 5-6 cigarettes a day (I know...), and I just wait until right after I pump to do it, so that as little nicotine as possible is in my BM.

DBride2006 · March 2012

I am not a smoker, but I'd be less concerned about my BM as I would second hand smoke on my clothes, skin, etc. I believe it increases the risk for SIDS, even if you're not smoking NEAR your baby.

I BF in order to give my babies the best start I can. Keeping them away from any and all second hand smoke is another way to give them the best start possible!

Amberrrr · March 2012

Ooh I know. I wash my hands/arms. change my clothes, brush my teeth/mouth wash. Wear my hair up too. I can't stand the thought of harming his tiny little lungs. I'm just feeling a bit self destructive! AHHHhh.

Brownie_222 · March 2012

Others have given some good advice, especially the idea to pick up a new "bad" habit like eating chocolate. Here's the deal, at some point your baby is going to figure out what smoking is and that you do it. Do you want your LO to think smoking is cool? Kids idolize their parents. My son just recently starting asking about people smoking, which is why I mention this. Could you get some support from a friend, LLL leader or mom's group to quit? Just like going back to school, it's another great thing you can do for yourself and your LO. GL to you.

mkarns · March 2012

My mom used to suck on a fireball candy every time she wanted a cig when she was trying to quit. It worked. I used to smoke, too...So I know how hard it is, but eventually your one ciggy a day is gonna turn into 2...and then 3 when you're having a bad day, etc. Kick it before you make it a habit again, girl! You can do it. There are ZERO benefits for you or LO if you continue. You'll feel so much better when you put them down for good!

SoonToBeMsP · March 2012

Amberrrr:
Ooh I know. I wash my hands/arms. change my clothes, brush my teeth/mouth wash. Wear my hair up too. I can't stand the thought of harming his tiny little lungs. I'm just feeling a bit self destructive! AHHHhh.

It seems easier to quit (or stay away at this point) than do all this! I have never smoked a cigarette, but my entire family has at some point, so I know it's got to be difficult to quit. But you've already done the hard work! Definitely do something "bad"... but don't do something that harms you and your LO.

I swear I am not judging, either... Just trying to support a healthier alternative!

Amberrrr · March 2012

Thanks so much everyone! I will keep this in mind next time I want one. I will try to be good!!

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