Newborns Asthma and Parental Smoking (NAPS) Project ‘Care for my air!’ and ‘Fresh air grows solid babies!’
It is important for parents to recognise tobacco smoke as a major trigger for asthma. Not only can exposure to tobacco smoke act as a trigger, but it has also been found to increase the risk of a child developing asthma. A child will be at an increased risk of developing asthma if a mother smokes during her pregnancy or if a newborn is exposed to passive smoke.
The Newborns Asthma and Parental Smoking (NAPS) Project promotes the non Indigenous health message ‘Care for my air!’ and Indigenous health message ‘Fresh air grows solid babies’ and encourages pregnant women, new mothers and their families to protect the foetus and newborn from passive smoke.
‘Fresh air grows solid babies’ and ‘Care for my air!’ means exposure to tobacco smoke whilst pregnant (or as an infant) can increase the risk of asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and the baby being born an unhealthy birth weight.
History of the NAPS Project
The project began in October 1998. The 18-month pilot was implemented in the Swan Health Service area and was designed to trial various strategies for providing ante-natal information to women on the dangers of passive smoking to the foetus and to infant health.
It is now offered to maternity hospitals and health services all over the state. The project has its own website that includes information on passive smoking, pregnancy, asthma and ideas on creating a smoke free environment for your baby.
The Asthma Foundation of WA also has a number of project resources available for expectant parents, parents of young children, and health professionals. The ‘Care for my air!’ pack includes all the information needed to provide your child with a great start to life. As well as the ‘Care for my air’ packs you can order free Indigenous resources which include a booklet ‘How your baby grows’, a pamphlet ‘Smoking and your baby’ and a poster ‘Would you let me smoke’. You can order these resources FREE online! Visit the NAPS website at: www.smokefreebaby.org.au. Or phone the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia on 9289 3600
Summary of current projects
Indigenous Women’s Project
The Indigenous Women’s Project (IWP) is funded by the Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing.
Project strategies include delivering free Brief Intervention Training to health professionals that work with Indigenous pregnant women and new mums throughout the state.
The Indigenous Women’s Project has some great grants that can be accessed by organisations.
Community Grants
Small grants will be available for community groups and health services to promote the “Fresh air grows solid babies” message. An example of how the grant can be used is by holding a health day where the message is promoted and resources are given away. Other health issues can be promoted at the same time. Examples of how the money can be used are for catering and promotion of the event