If mom is smoking more than 2+ packs per day then using the patch may
decrease baby's exposure to nicotine. Problem is that the patch is a slow
release med which deposits in the fatty layers under the skin (can continue
to release med for up to an addtional 8 hours or so)  that is why a person
can just take off the patch and have a cigarette right away.  they have come
out with patches you only wear during the day seems a significant number of
patient have nightmares and such side effects (I wonder about the babies--
side effects?)

I recommend to my mom's to cut back as best they can (if they just cant quit)
never smoke in the house or around baby. and smoke right after the baby
nurses.

By all means mom should keep nursing (the baby needs all the infection
protection it can get).


Anne (the pharmacist)
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