A new research paper has provided the first Australian data on smoking, vaping and quitting behaviours in the first year after birth. The study involved women from eight trial sites in NSW who took part in interviews at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months postpartum.
UCRH’s Larisa Barnes is the lead author on the paper, joining UCRH colleagues and colleagues from a number of other institutions and collaborating organisations.
The research explored what support women felt they needed to stop smoking or vaping or stay quit, and how these needs changed over time. Smoking prevalence remained high (around 60%) and vaping was relatively low (7–8%). Women identified stress, mental health, social support and cost of tobacco as key factors influencing their ability to quit or avoid relapse. Those who had quit during pregnancy or postpartum often cited their babies and children as strong motivators.
This study is part of the broader MOHMQuit project – Midwives and Obstetricians Helping Mothers to Quit Smoking Implementation Trial. MOHMQuit works with maternity services to integrate evidence-based smoking cessation support into routine care, aiming to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.
The findings highlight the need for proactive, tailored approaches in both policy and practice to help women identify and access effective support.
