I smoked
cigarettes for 15 years. I started smoking when I was in college.
Of course there were sincere attempts to quit, but obviously none worked
until I got pregnant last May 2010.
We all know that smoking during pregnancy
is harmful to the unborn baby. Studies have proven that babies whose
mothers smoked during pregnancy are likely to weigh less than babies whose
mothers did not smoke during pregnancy. They are also expected to encounter
development problems such as physical and learning disabilities.
At that time, I know I should stop smoking. But the real question is, will I quit?
I must admit, I was looking forward to
giving birth. The excitement of course
included the fact that I can smoke again.
But when I learned more about second hand and third hand smoking, I knew
I had to reconsider.
Yes, there is “third hand smoking”. There are toxins from tobacco smoke that
remain on surfaces like clothes, sofa, etc.
These toxins have negative impact on infant lung development and may
even cause cancer when the residue of nicotine reacts with another chemical in
the air to form potent carcinogen.
There are still studies that need to be
done to further validate this but the possible risk is enough reason for me
make a decision. Not for me but for my
Julia.
I quit smoking. 1 year 7 months and still counting.
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Note to my Dad: I can imagine your face is all
red… unsure whether you are disappointed that I smoked or happy that I quit. Now I know what you mean. I will never understand until I become a
parent myself. Thanks, Daddy! Love you!
