ABSTRACT
Government policy and targets for smoking cessation 147 Service recommendations 148 Effects of smoking tobacco 150 Motivations and difficulties encountered by smokers 151 Attitudes towards tobacco smoking 151 Strategies for smoking cessation 154 Summary of key points 158 References 158 Useful information and contacts 159 Further reading 160
Midwives have a vital role in smoking cessation and pregnancy; they are a source of knowledge, and have the interaction skills to convey information about the benefits of quitting smoking for a woman, her partner and her family. Using a health promotion model, such as that of Prochaska and DiClemente (1984), can help a midwife identify the stage of change a woman may be in, and so adopt appropriate strategies to assist her. Knowing that her midwife is interested, supportive and encouraging can be a very positive aspect to a woman to stop smoking and continue as a non-smoker. The midwife also has an awareness of Government and local smoking cessation services and so is able to make seamless referrals for the woman to receive further help and support.
