A Model for Postpartum Smoking Resumption Prevention for Women Who Stop Smoking While Pregnant

Pletsch, Pamela K.

Pamela K. Pletsch, PhD, RN, is a professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

Correspondence: Pamela K. Pletsch, PhD, RN, School of Nursing University of Wisconsin, Madison, Box 2455 Clinical Science Center, K6/344, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted: July 2005

JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing 35(2):p 215-222, March-April 2006.

Behavior change models and theories have been useful in our efforts to help people stop smoking. However, models that were developed for the general population do not always fit special populations such as pregnant women. Many women stop smoking while pregnant, but most resume smoking after giving birth. To help women who stop smoking while pregnant to stay smoke-free, a model for tailoring a smoking resumption–prevention intervention to the special needs of pregnant and postpartum women is proposed. The intervention begins during pregnancy, continues postpartum, and addresses pregnancy and parenting contextual factors in women's lives. The model is based on motivational theory and includes conducting patient assessments, developing risk profiles, triaging women to different levels of intervention intensity, and matching intervention strategies to women's risk profiles.