Teaching Trust works to support smoking cessation in pregnancy | News

Today, on national No Smoking Day, the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s Tobacco Dependency Advisors want to remind expectant women and birthing people of the support available to help them to quit. 
 
This national day takes place annually on the second Wednesday of March and is designed as a time for people to reach out to friends or family members who suffer from nicotine addiction. 
 
Emma Barry was recently supported by one of the Trust’s Tobacco Dependency Advisors. Emma said: “I feel proud of myself and feel I’ve done what’s best not only for me but for my unborn baby. 
 
“My Tobacco Dependency Advisor, Emma, supported me throughout my pregnancy and continues to do so. At no time did I feel pressured to stop smoking and I didn't feel judged, in fact, Emma really understood my struggles. Now I’m 25 weeks smoke-free and couldn't be happier. I would recommend this service to any pregnant woman who smokes as sometimes you do need the extra support to stop, and it’s not always as easy as you may think.”
 
Shelly Gascoigne, Specialist Midwife for Smokefree Pregnancy at the Trust said: “Maternal smoking is known to be a leading cause of poor birth outcomes, including stillbirth and miscarriage, and a contributing factor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 

“Stopping smoking is one of the most important things women can do in pregnancy to ensure the health and development of their baby so it’s really important to me that they feel supported to be smoke-free during pregnancy, and our in-house Smokefree Pregnancy Service helps to make that a reality.”

Rachel Forbes, acting Consultant in Public Health leading on smoking prevention for the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, added: “Quitting smoking in pregnancy helps immediately and is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Smoking is highly addictive, and we know that many women who smoke during pregnancy need extra support and incentivisation to help them quit. As an ex-smoker myself, I know it’s not easy.  With help, change is possible. Our website www.mums-can.co.uk offers free, friendly, non-judgemental support, safer alternatives and proven techniques to help quit smoking.”
 
The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s dedicated Maternity Stop Smoking Service supports women and birthing people receiving maternity care at Mid Yorkshire and can be contacted on 01924 317280, or by email to midyorks.myhtmaternitytda@nhs.net.

Further information and advice can be found at: www.midyorks.nhs.uk/smoke-free-pregnancy