After re-reading the E-mail that Jeff forwarded, I decided that a generalized
answer would be OK.

Even if a mom smokes, breastfeeding is better than not breastfeeding. Not
smoking would be even better. "Passive smoking" is associated with increased
respiratory problems. The pediatricians I work with are always complaining
about kids with asthma living in smoky houses. Nicotine could make the baby
fretful. Not smoking could make the mom fretful. Nicotine patches produce a
lower concentration of nicotine in the milk than do cigarettes. Smoking can
interfere with the MER. If the mom goes outside to smoke after breastfeeding,
that would both allow let-down to occur and keep smoke out of the house.
Cigarette smoking is associated with increased rates of SIDS (cot death).
Smoking while breastfeeding presents a danger of dropping hot ashes on the
baby, which is not a very loving thing to do. If the mother wants help with
quitting smoking, I'm sure she knows how to get it.

Becky