Quit with Yorkshire Smokefree this Stoptober like new mums Rose and HB
For smokers looking to quit, Stoptober is the perfect time to break the habit. Research shows that if you stop smoking for just 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.
Our Yorkshire Smokefree service provides expert NHS advice and support for anyone who wants to stop smoking. Rose and HB turned to our specialist advisors throughout their pregnancies and by using the service’s tailored online, face to face and telephone support were able to start their quit journeys ready to welcome their new arrivals.
Read their stories below.
Rose’s story
Rose was 33 weeks pregnant and smoking 20 cigarettes a day when she came to Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield. With her baby girl due in a matter of weeks, Rose knew she had to quit for the health of her family.
Rose said: “When I contacted Yorkshire Smokefree, they helped me to set a quit date. To help me to work towards this, I was able to chat with a stop smoking advisor and started using nicotine patches.
“As well as this, I joined the finance scheme, where I was eligible to receive vouchers for every month I remained quit. I was able to buy a baby bouncer and baby equipment with them.
“My little girl Tillie Ann is now 15 weeks old and along with my three other children aged 1, 5 and 6 I am kept very busy! I’ve been able to stay away from smoking with the help of Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield and the finance scheme. I wouldn’t change anything about the service I received and would recommend it to other people looking to quit.”
HB’s story
When HB found out she was pregnant with twins she turned to Yorkshire Smokefree for their expert advice and support.
HB said: “I found out unexpectedly that I was pregnant, and only 10 days later I found out it was with twins. Listening to all the complications that can happen in pregnancies with multiple babies I knew I had to do whatever it took to take away any risks.
“I was smoking more than I would ever admit to my midwife, who offered to refer me to Yorkshire Smokefree. My stop smoking advisor Katie was there for me on the other end of the phone throughout my pregnancy. She and the other advisors really listen to what you have to say – they don’t just tell you that it’s ‘easy’. They focus on you to find out what you feel will work for you and what won’t.
“The good thing about Yorkshire Smokefree is that you can be honest about when you are struggling. Although part of it has to come from your own willpower and determination, having extra support really does help!
“Throughout my quit journey I’ve been receiving carbon monoxide monitors through the post. I send my breath test readings to Katie each month and I earn a £20 voucher each time I am clear! The voucher scheme is great as every time you make a purchase with them you can walk away feeling proud that it’s another item your baby can have because you stopped doing the one thing you knew you would feel guilty for. I’m already searching for the next thing I can purchase for my twins.
“Yorkshire Smokefree also support you and carry on the scheme for two months after your birth. For some this can be the most challenging time as the stress of having a newborn can make you want to start smoking again. I’m so glad I have remained quit as the money I would have spent on cigarettes goes towards family days and treats for all of my children to benefit from a habit I didn’t even like anyway.
“My twin boys are now six weeks old, and I am still completely smokefree. I couldn’t be prouder of myself or more grateful for the support I received. If you’re feeling unsure or worried just try, they will help you and support you, and you’re stronger than you think. You will financially benefit and the health benefits are even more worth it!”
Lisa Hay, senior specialist at the Yorkshire Smokefree service in Wakefield, said: “Stopping smoking is never easy, but it’s the best thing that you can do for your baby and your own health. The benefits of stopping smoking start immediately after you go smokefree too.
“There are many ways we support pregnant women to stop smoking at Yorkshire Smokefree. This includes a financial incentive scheme, which is a fantastic tool to help with long term relapse prevention for smokers.
“We support women no matter what stage of their pregnancy. Our service is free, friendly and flexible and you will have support from our specialist advisors who will help you throughout.”
Visit www.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk for more information and to start your quit journey today.
