Very few of the clients who see me on a private basis smoke.  In fact,
most are very aware of their health.  Probably more than half are
vegetarians.  A quick glance at my files show that most of my clients
are educated and from the "helping professions" (teachers,
psychologists, social workers, nurses...)  There's more of a mix from
parents who attend prenatal classes - either at the community center or
at the health fund clinic.  I have to do a lot more educating.  The
question of smoking while pregnant and lactating always comes up.  On
the whole, I think its better for mothers who smoke to continue
breastfeeding.  However, I've seen cases of premature babies and
newborns actually vomit when their mothers smoke heavily.  If the mother
is motivated, I'll suggest she try ways to stop:  homeopathy,
acupunture, support groups offered by the various health clinics and so
on.  Sometimes, the mother will agree to cut down.  I can usually get
them not to smoke around the baby by quoting SIDS statistics.

Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, IBCLC
Ranana, Israel

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