Health Visitor Aid Keeps New Moms Smoke-free
A study from the University of East Anglia found that the 'BabyBreathe' program significantly helps new mothers remain smoke-free after childbirth. The intervention provides one-on-one support from trained health visitors, digital tools, and relapse-prevention kits.
Why it matters
Smoking relapse after pregnancy is a major public health challenge; this research provides a scalable, evidence-based model to improve long-term health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Women who receive health visitor support alongside smoking relapse prevention advice are more likely to remain smoke-free after childbirth, according to University of East Anglia (UEA) research.
The team tested 'BabyBreathe' - a programme designed to help women who quit smoking before or during pregnancy stay smoke-free after giving birth, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The BabyBreathe scheme provides one-to-one support from trained health visitors with digital tools, text message support, a dedicated website and app, and a relapse-prevention kit sent to families after birth.
A major study published today in the BMJ shows that women who received this intervention as intended, with support from trained health visitors, were significantly more likely to remain smoke-free 12 months after giving birth compared to those without health visitor support.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in