2008 First Breath Program Annual Report (1 mb)

The First Breath Program continues to excel in its efforts to help pregnant women in Wisconsin quit smoking.  In 2008 a total of 1,502 women enrolled in the First Breath program at the 100 First Breath sites in Wisconsin, bringing the program’s total enrollment to 7,652 since the statewide expansion in 2003.  There continues to be an increase in First Breath participants identifying themselves as African American.  Between 2006 and 2008 there was a 48% increase in African American participants.  As part of Wisconsin’s Healthy Birth Outcomes initiative, First Breath set to expand services into Southeastern Wisconsin.  Evaluation of the First Breath program continues to show the program’s effectiveness.  In 2008, First Breath was able to meet or exceed its smoking cessation and reduction goals.  The prenatal quit rate was 34%, exceeding the program goal of 25%.  31.5% of the women unable to quit were successful in reducing their smoking, exceeding the program goal of 30%.  First Breath was also able to establish a postpartum relapse rate of 25.6%, lower than the program goal of 30%.

2007 First Breath Program Annual Report (2.64 mb)

In 2007, First Breath enrolled 1,490 women into the program. 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 35.4%. The smoking abstinence rate immediately post-delivery of 37.4%, the highest ever reported.

2006 First Breath Program Annual Report Summary (210 kb)

First Breath Pilot Program Results (53 kb)

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.