The goal of Maternal Tobacco Program is to reduce the number of health problems caused by tobacco use and secondhand smoke by decreasing the number of women who smoke during and after their pregnancy. Health problems for both mothers and babies include:
- Pregnancy complications
- Premature birth
- Low-birth weight infants
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
How the Program Works
Pregnant women who currently use tobacco products* or were using at the time of conception. Participants enroll before the 25th week of pregnancy and must be tobacco-free by the third prenatal session or 30th week, whichever is sooner, to remain in the program.
One-on-one sessions with a tobacco treatment specialist (TTS) to help you plan your quit.
- Five prenatal sessions
- Six postpartum sessions
The TTS discusses the benefits of quitting, avoiding triggers, managing cravings, and recognizing emotions to stay tobacco-free.
The participant agrees to take a carbon monoxide (CO) breath test or a saliva test at each session. Participants are eligible for incentives when abstinent during the postpartum sessions.
Relapse is high after delivery. The Maternal Tobacco Program provides continued support to remain tobacco-free.
*cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic nicotine devices/vape products.
How to Enroll
To enroll, connect with your nearest North Dakota Maternal Tobacco Program provider:
Maternal Tobacco Program (MTP) | |||
Health System | City | Email Program Facilitator | Phone Number |
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck | Bismarck | Rajean Backman | (701) 530-8538 |
Essentia Health | Fargo | Cheri Thomson | (701) 364-4524 |
Essentia Health | Wahpeton | Elizabeth Mattis | (701) 671-4146 |
Family HealthCare | Fargo | Brody Maack | (701) 271-6363 |
Jamestown Regional Medical Center | Jamestown | Nicole Brandvold | (701) 952-4858 |
Sanford Bismarck | Bismarck | Teresa Kershaw | (701) 323-2016 or 323-2935 |
Sanford Jamestown | Jamestown | Lindsay King | 701-251-6000 |
Sanford Southpointe | Fargo | Siri Thaden | (701) 234-5892 or 234-2000 |
Pamela Friedrich | |||
Sanford Clinic Wahpeton | Wahpeton | Nicole Wahler | (701) 642-7000 |
Southwestern District Health Unit | Dickinson | Jennifer Schaeffer | (701) 483-3760 |
Walsh County Health District | Grafton | Sharon Laxdal | (701) 352-5139 |