Quit Your Way service during pregnancy
Pregnant smokers in Wishaw are being given additional support to quit.
AndthehelpfromNHS Lanarkshire extends to families too as they try to ensure newborns are given a healthy start in life.
QuitYourWay is a free stop-smoking service where trained advisers can be contacted for support.
The dedicated health workers are on hand to provide specialist support, encouragementand nicotine replacement therapy.
They are even available to offer one-to-one video or phone appointments – something Kirsty Sweeneyfound invaluable.
Themumtoldthe Wishaw Press:“Falling pregnantmademedecide to give up smoking.
“I had tried lots of times previously, but my baby provided me with the motivation I needed.
“I received telephone supportandmyNRT products were delivered to my house.
“MyQuitYourWaynurse was the main positive aspect, she was fabulous and I knew she was there for me anytime at the other end of the telephone.
“I could chat to her about anything.”
As well as the welldocumented hazards of smokingformotherand child, second-hand smoke can also be harmful – before and after birth.
And the importance of stopping can be noticed as soon as the first 24-hours of quitting, with marked health benefits to baby and mother in that short period.
ThankfullyTracy Henderson, health improvement senior for tobacco control and pregnancy, and her team are on hand to help.
She told us:“Whether you’ve just found out you’re expecting or further along your pregnancy journey, our specialist advisers will support and empoweryoutoquit smoking.
“We understand it can be hard to tell your midwifeyousmoke– these are natural worries, but we make sure all our clients feel safe, secure and at ease.
“It’s never too late to try and stop smoking, no matter how far along in the pregnancy.”
Mum Kirsty said she also noticed a“massive difference”in her finances and said she is delighted shecannowkeepupwith her baby boy, Jack.
QuitYourWay is a free service with information available on its 0800 84 84 84 helpline or online.
QuitYourWay can be contactedMondayto Friday from 9am until 5pm.