New stop smoking service for pregnant women

09 February, 2017

A new free service which supports pregnant women in Knowsley to stop smoking is being launched this week.

Smokefree Families, run by City Health Care Partnership CIC, will offer the practical help and positive focus needed to support people to stop smoking. The service offers a wide range of free support for pregnant smokers and their families, from walk-in sessions with no appointment needed to individual one-to-one appointments and home visits. Research shows smokers are three times more likely to quit successfully with support.

Nicola Cartwright, Knowsley Stop Smoking Service Pregnancy Specialist, said: “We know it can be really tough to quit when you are pregnant and understand the pressures and the extremely addictive nature of smoking, which can make it hard to stop. “We will work with you and your family to give you and your baby the best start in life.”

Currently, 23% of people in Knowsley smoke, which is an improvement on recent years but is still considerably higher than the national average. Reducing the number of women who smoke in pregnancy and the number of pregnant women who are exposed to second-hand smoke is a priority for the service. Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of a wide range of health issues with mother and baby, including complications at birth, cot death and long-term health conditions for the child, such as asthma.

James O’Neill, Knowsley Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “Many people are aware of the effects of smoking on their lungs but are less aware of the impact it also has on their unborn baby and family. Stopping smoking will have a dramatic positive impact on your health and those around you, and is the single best decision you could make to improve your own and your family’s health.”

Dominique Sze from Huyton stopped smoking while pregnant. She said: “Deciding to have a baby wasn't something I rushed into, so when it finally happened I knew I wanted to give my baby the best start in life. “That meant re-evaluating how I lived my life. I have always enjoyed exercise and fitness and willingly did more than my fair share. However, I was a smoker, something I was determined to change for good! This was made possible with the support and guidance from Smokefree Knowsley. I'm now very close to my due date and haven't smoked at all and with the continued support I have no intention of doing so.

“Thank you Smokefree Knowsley, from me and my baby.”

For more information or support, call 0151 426 7462 or text “mummy” to 61825 (normal network rates apply). Alternatively, visit www.readytostopsmoking.co.uk or download the QuitPal mobile app by searching “QuitPal” at Google Play and the App Store.