New research sheds light on why some mothers start smoking after giving birth

NBC Medical Watch
Published: September 8, 2008

Many women quit smoking during pregnancy, but about half light up again within a few months of giving birth.  Now there’s new information that sheds some light on why.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina studied a group of almost 100 women, and found those with a live-in partner who helped with the new baby were more likely to kick the habit for good.

These women were also more likely to have a strong social support, a strong will to stay healthy, and had strategies in place for resisting the temptation to smoke.

Women more likely to relapse often had easy access to cigarettes, little help with child rearing, and low self-esteem.

Researchers say their findings could help doctors target women at risk of resuming this dangerous habit.