Mums-to-be and partners supported to quit smoking on No Smoking Day
No Smoking Day is taking place on Wednesday 11 March 2020 and, as part of the national campaign that encourages smokers to quit smoking, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is putting a spotlight on the support available, particularly for expectant mums who should quit smoking during pregnancy.
Research has shown that in previous years, one in ten smokers attempt to quit on No Smoking Day and this has resulted in helping over 1.5 million people stub out their cigarettes for good.
For expectant mothers, the advice is clear. Smoking during pregnancy brings a much higher risk of developing various complications during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. For those who smoke during pregnancy there is also a higher chance that the child could develop asthma, behavioural problems and some cancers during childhood.
Quitting smoking can also save a lot of money. On average by quitting, over £200 per month based on if you smoke 10 cigarettes a day and you are buying a cheap brand. For the cost of about three weeks of smoking, you could buy a video baby monitor, or for the cost of less than a year’s worth of cigarettes, you could kit out your baby’s entire nursery!
Why not find out exactly how much money you could save for you and your family by using the NHS Smokefree cost calculator.
For those who are pregnant and thinking about quitting smoking, there is lots of support to help along the way either online or through a midwife. Quit4Baby Warwickshire is a friendly and welcoming service that can help you to quit during pregnancy. They are a supportive team who are committed to helping and supporting pregnant women and partners who are thinking about quitting.
Someone recently supported by the Quit4Baby Warwickshire service said:
“I got in touch as I was finding it difficult to stop smoking on my own with no support from a medical professional. They were very kind and very prompt in getting back in touch. I started to see Kelly on a weekly basis who gave me all the support and guidance I needed without being judgmental at all.
“I highly recommend this service and feel that without this service I would have really struggled to stop smoking.”
Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health at Warwickshire County Council said:
“If you’re pregnant and you decide to quit smoking this No Smoking Day, you could have the peace of mind that you have given your baby the best chance of being healthy. Just remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
“Services like Quit4Baby are here to support and guide you throughout the process. Many women that have used the service have said it’s not as hard as they thought it was going to be. So if you decide to get support from Quit4Baby, know that there are no judgments and any support that you receive will be on your terms.”
Councillor Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“Everyone knows that stopping smoking isn’t always easy but there are lots of services in Warwickshire that are here to support you and make it easier along the way.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, don’t think about forever, instead take one day at a time and go at your own pace.
“Quit4Good and Quit4Baby can give you tips on how to keep busy and keep your cravings at bay. It’s also helpful if you get your partner, family and friends on board to encourage you throughout the process.”
Join the thousands quitting smoking today, for further information on the support available to help you visit https://quit4good.warwickshire.gov.uk/
If you are pregnant and would like support and advice on how to quit smoking, visit https://quit4good.warwickshire.gov.uk/quit4baby/
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