Things to know:

• Nicotine passes into breastmilk
• The breastmilk of a smoker tastes and smells of cigarettes
• Babies of mothers who smoke are more likely to suffer from colic
• Women who smoke may perceive a lower breastmilk supply
• Passive smoking may lead to early onset wheezing
• All adults should avoid smoking near the baby
• Women who smoke are likely to breastfeed for a shorter period
• Babies should never bedshare with a smoker, and it is advised that they do not sleep in the same room either. NEVER smoke where baby sleeps.
• Babies of mothers using Nicotine Replacement Therapies or NRT ( Patches, Inhalator, Tablets, Gum) will be exposed to less nicotine than if their mothers were smoking.
• It is safer for a breastfeeding mother to use NRT than to continue to smoke if she is unable to quit in any other way.

NB - the breastmilk of a smoker is still superior to formula milk