Thursday, September 3, 2009

Where can you find pregnant smokers?

Why here in Indiana of course!

A report, released August 15th by the Prenatal Substance Abuse Commission (PSAC), indicated that an estimated 20 percent of women used tobacco while pregnant; ranking Indiana seventh highest in the nation among all 50 states. That's nearly 18,000 babies that are born in Indiana to mothers who smoke. These babies are more likely to suffer from SIDS, to be born premature, have low birth weights and other health problems.

The Indiana Tobacco Quitline offers a specially designed free counselling service deigned for pregnant smokers. Included as part of the program is a series of up to 10 phone calls that are completed with the mother both during – and after – the term of pregnancy is completed. Quit coaches are specifically empathetic to the mother’s needs and they help make sure they have the right support network as part of the treatment services. For this service expectant mothers can call 1-800-Quit-Now (784-8669).

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