Montezuma County Public Health Department recently honored five new mothers who quit smoking when they learned they were pregnant.
The celebration, which included a light and healthy lunch provided by The Farm Bistro, was a collaborative effort between Nurse Family Partnership, Target Tobacco Action Group, and Right to Read.
“The celebration was to congratulate and honor five new moms who had previously been smokers and quit when they learned they were pregnant,” said Margaret Kirk, an health department educator.
During lunch moms talked about various healthy living strategies as well as practical baby care issues. Each mom received a gift bag with a book (donated by Right to Read), chocolate for mom, and diapers from the other collaborators.
Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) is an evidence-based program that operates through the Montezuma County Public Health Department. More than 37 years of research has shown that NFP programs improve the lives of low-income, first-time moms, Kirk said.
“If they follow the program and work with their nurse, they can transform their lives, and the lives of their children,” she said.
Impacts include improved prenatal health, fewer childhood injuries, fewer subsequent pregnancies with increased intervals between births, increased maternal employment and improved school readiness.
Target Tobacco Action Group is a collaboration of diverse partners that work together to create a tobacco free community while inspiring youth to be proactive leaders.
Right to Read Colorado encourages children and parents to read together from an early age. To increase literacy, they donate board books.
Smoking while you are pregnant lowers the amount of oxygen available to the mother but also to the growing baby. Smoking increases baby’s heart rate, causes respiratory problems, and increases the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and birth defects.
“These moms knew that the health of their baby was important the quitting smoking was the very best thing they could do for themselves and their baby,” Kirk said. “There is no safe level of smoking when you are pregnant.”
If you are pregnant and smoke or know a pregnant mom who smokes and wants support while quitting, call the Montezuma County Public Health Department at 970-565-3056.