I am a self-confessed health freak but i wouldn't object to a smoker holding my baby - provided they washed their hands and their clothes didn't reek of it.

I have 2 close aunts who are heavy smokers, and in the early days my DS would start sneezing when they held him. From then on I just asked them to throw on my dressing gown or a jumper etc, to mask the smell. They are pretty self-consious of it now, so I'm assuming that with this baby they will hold off on the smoko until baby has been held.

The reality is that we are breathing in toxins everyday when we drive, etc, and many of us slather toxic chemicals on ourselves everyday when we have a shower or moisturise, etc, so whilst I cannot condone smoking, I think a little perspective is needed.

So yeah - I would just be asking her if she minds washing her hands and putting on one of your jumpers so the baby can 'smell Mum'!

Goodluck. XX