[bmw68]

This is probably not the best place to post this message, but I wasn't sure where else to do so. My husband and I have been presented with an opportunity to meet a mother who recently gave birth to a baby girl and is considering adoption. The mother smoked during her pregnancy, and the baby weighed 5 pounds at birth. We don't know how concerned we should be about this. Is there anyone out there that can help us?

[sneezyone]

PM in progress...

[AwaitingBeloved]

Here's my two cents...


I know asthma is a serious condition. I have asthma. It has not stopped me at all. It's scary sometimes, but I have known how to manage it since I was diagnosed as a child.

DD was born 4 and a half weeks ago, weighing 7 lbs, 8 oz. Full term. Some ppl have said their nicotine babies have been jittery, etc. Our DD is *quite* content and not jittery or any other difficult, frustrating, or scary symptoms. She does get nasaly, but the nasal aspirator helps, and the humidifier makes it a virtual non issue! YAY for humidifiers!!

When we took her to her pediatrician at her two week check up the Pedi asked us about the medical histories of the bparent's. I informed him that the bmom smoked during the pg. He told me that it really only affects the birthweight.

Even on the cigarette boxes, the Surgeon General's warning (If I remember correctly??) says that smoking during pg may lead to premature babies and low birthweights.

My mom smoked with all four of us. We all have asthma. My aunt never smoked, both her kids have asthma. DH's mom smoked with all four of her kids, none of them have asthma, her sister did not smoke ever and she has very serious asthma... soo... no real way to tell.

I would say, see what the Dr's think. If they think she has respiratory issues, then they'll tell you. Yeah, things can develop, but truly, with drug addicted babies, their symptoms start as soon as they start withdrawing.. at birth.

If you're uncomfortable with anything you learn, it's okay not to accept the placement. You have to do what is comfortable for you and your family.

[ourdreamcametru]

If this is the only thing you are questioning I personaly would not pass on the placement. I've never smoked in my life and one of my boys has asthma very bad, the other is fine but but was premature and had a low birth weight. Our daughter who we adopted had a low birth weight and was on time, she has mild asthma and her bmother has never smoked. I think if the baby is not showing any other signs of with drawal she is perfect but you do what your heart is telling you. If you decide to pass on this placement then it was not the one for you and yours will come along when the time is right. Good luck!

[athena09]

A friend of mine didn't find out till month 3 of her pregnancy that she was pregnant and the doctor told her not to quit smoking because the baby was already addicted. She delivered a healthy, low weight baby who is now 5 and very healthy and no adverse affects. Hope that helps some.

[joskids]

I wouldn't personally pass up a chance to adopt a child whose birthmother's only issue was smoking during pregnancy. I do not smoke and do not "approve" (not that it's my place) of smoking during pregnancy as it certainly doesn't HELP the baby in any way but I think there are greater considerations to consider not placing from a particular birthmother and smoking would not be one of them.

[taramayrn]

I wouldn't pass up on this opportunity but that's just me.

My mother smoked when she was pregnant with me. I was 6 lbs 10 oz. I never suffered any health problems when I was an infant. I did suffer from asthma and environmental allergies as a child and as an adult today. Who knows if this was caused by the smoking or the fact that I live in a rather dry climate or that most of the people in my family suffer from allergies and asthma?! Who knows...
Good luck!

[lahdh4]

My mother was encouraged to smoke while pregnant with me and I was born 3 days late and almost 9 lbs.

I didn't smoke but many of the people I know do and they were/are respectful of the fact that cigerette smoke blown at me makes me ill.(always has- made my parents go out and smoke growing up) J was born 4 weeks early but not because I was around smoke and she was almost 6 lbs and now is a bundle of energy.