New mum shares heartfelt thanks to Smokefree Pregnancy Team after quitting smoking during pregnancy | News

A new mum has praised the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s Maternity Stop Smoking Service for the “life changing” support that helped her quit smoking throughout her pregnancy and stay smokefree after the birth of her baby boy, Oliver

Mel Simpson from Wakefield, who previously smoked at a moderate level, successfully quit with the help of Tobacco Dependency Advisor, Charlotte Auty, and the Trust’s specialist Smokefree Pregnancy Team. Mel also took part in the national Smokefree Pregnancy Incentive Scheme, designed to support women and birthing people to remain smokefree through their pregnancy and into the postnatal period.

Mel was so grateful for the guidance, education and encouragement she received that she brought gifts to the ward to thank Charlotte personally after she was discharged. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can inspire others to seek support: “Finding out I was pregnant gave me the extra motivation to become smokefree, and the support from the team made such a difference. Charlotte kept me motivated, encouraged me every step of the way and never judged me. I was determined to make the healthiest choice for my baby, and having that guidance really helped. I want other women to know that support is there, and that quitting is absolutely possible.”

Shelly Gascoigne, Specialist Midwife, oversees the Trust’s Maternity Stop Smoking Service and Tobacco Dependency Advisors. She said: “Maternal smoking is a leading cause of poor birth outcomes, including stillbirth, miscarriage, and a contributing factor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Quitting smoking is one of the best things a mum can do for her baby’s health, so we’re incredibly proud to have supported Mel and many other families to make this positive change. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the determination of women like Mel to give their children the best possible start in life.” 

The impact of this work is reflected in the Trust’s smoking at time of delivery (SATOD) rate, which currently stands at 5.5% - below the national target of 6%. This demonstrates the continued effectiveness of the Trust’s approach to supporting women and birthing people to quit smoking during pregnancy.

The Trust’s Smokefree Pregnancy Team provides personalised support, carbon monoxide monitoring, nicotine replacement therapy, behavioural coaching and ongoing encouragement tailored to each individual’s needs. Their approach helps improve outcomes for both babies and pregnant women.

Expectant mothers and birthing people who smoke and want to quit can access support from the Maternity Stop Smoking Service online at www.midyorks.nhs.uk/smoke-free-pregnancy, by calling 01924 317280 or by email to midyorks.myhtmaternitytda@nhs.net.