Pilot Summary

First Breath has become a successful model for implementation of prenatal smoking cessation services. The program was easily and cost-effectively integrated into existing prenatal care frameworks. Results from the First Breath pilot study indicate that short 5-10 minute interventions with a pregnant smoker can impact her quit attempt dramatically. By integrating more focused cessation counseling into an existing prenatal care structure, clients experience increased access to care at their convenience.

See the all of the results: First Breath Pilot Program (53 kb)

2006 Summary

The Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation’s First Breath Program continues to excel in its efforts to help pregnant women in Wisconsin quit smoking. In 2006, First Breath enrolled 1,472 women into the program, 7.5% more women than in 2005. Enrolled women remain predominantly of non-Hispanic white race, with a low income and low education level.

The self-reported quit rate while pregnant of 37.8% is the highest ever reported. The smoking abstinence rate immediately post-delivery of 34.7%, however, remains in the same range as in prior years. To date, 1,009 women have quit smoking through the First Breath program, which has resulted in considerable savings in costs to the health care system. Medicaid is the one area that we have reliable data to estimate cost savings. To date, First Breath has generated a cost savings of $1,002,663 to the Medicaid program alone.

See the all of the results: First Breath Program 2006 (210 kb)