[Smoking and breastfeeding: how can we help mothers stop smoking?]

The study of nicotine metabolism shows that nicotine has a half-life of 60 to 90 min, and that nicotine concentration in human breast milk is 2.9 times higher than in the plasma. Smokers are less likely to choose breastfeeding. The duration of breastfeeding is shorter and there is less milk production amongst smokers who decide to breastfeed. Breastfeeding diminishes the infant's respiratory problems that are linked to smoking. During the breastfeeding period, in addition to psychological support, nicotine replacement therapy should be proposed, preferring gums or 2 mg tablets with a short half-life taken after feeding. For those who continue to smoke, the number of cigarettes should be limited and smoking should be done after feeding and outside of living quarters.