Women who smoke are not bad people. Most, even if they really enjoy the physical sensations and social interactions that are associated with smoking, understand that they are addicted to nicotine. Most want to stop when they realize the damage that smoking does to their unborn and growing children. Most do not want their teenagers to take up smoking. But, wanting to stop and being able to stop is not the same thing.

Women who receive care from nurse-midwives will be asked to describe their smoking habits and should not be afraid to tell the truth. Working together, the midwife and the mother can develop a plan to help decrease or totally eliminate the risks of smoking. Together, they can rage at the tobacco industry that has made this life threatening addiction so much a part of our daily lives. They can identify safe interventions that help fight off the craving for nicotine. They can celebrate every step, no matter how small; and the mother takes towards regaining control over the addiction.

A special consumer-focused section on quitting smoking is available on the National Women's Health Information Center Web site www.4woman.gov.