Need to quit

sharonfrancis

I am pregnant too - I stopped at 12 weeks - I am now 35 weeks
I had support from the NHS quit smoking team - spk to your Midwife. she should be able to put you in touch.

I had smoked for nearly 20 years...... when I spoke to my "counsellor" I told her I loved smoking and that I didnt think I would be successful in quitting but thought I would give it a go to at least say I had tried. She said she enjoyed a challenge......Here I am now.....I cannot believe I havent had a fag for 23 weeks........ so chuffed with myself

I used a variety of methods - I had a patch, inhalator and the quick mist.
The mist is genius - it literally gets rid of that craving within a minute. but it tastes awful and gave me hiccups - I used it for about 8 weeks.
I will admit I use the inhalator still just a couple times a day - I am still getting a little bit of nicotine but much safer than smoking 10-15 roll ups a day!

If I can do it anyone can - sounds like a cliche but I am being honest.

ps. You cannot use the e-cigs as they havent been tested on pregnant women. this would have been my choice but counsellor couldnt authorise it.

tattycath

Well done OP, that's great! - good luck hun.
Well done Sharon-that's brilliant news.

dippydooda

Nice one OP, that's good news and sounds like you're going to give it your best shot :-)
Ignore the idiot, think a few of us have reported them.
Let us know how you get on.

Jox

I also gave up after reading Allen Carr's book, I would so highly recommend it!

My friend smoked throughout her 2 pregnancies, and both children have health problems - coincidence? Maybe, but why take that chance?

Good luck, it's not easy to beat a drug addiction but it's not impossible, I haven't smoked for 7 years now, I have an addictive personality and it's all or nothing with me.

Fire_Fox

*slavetothevibe* wrote: »

hey

This thread is not to tell me the dangers of smoking when pregnant, or what a bad person i am. I just really need advice from other women who have quit smoking due to pregnancy. Ive cut down but i am struggling. I'm about 6 weeks. I would welcome any help. Ive been in touch with the NHS but they cant provide patches until im over 12 weeks. They have however offered me niquitin mint type things.

Thanks for reading

Not telling you off by saying this, just FYI. In general cutting down is not recommended because research suggests smokers have a 'set point' of nicotine in the blood at which they are comfortable. When people cut down on the number of cigarettes they simply take more puffs, longer drags, hold the smoke in longer unconsciously. So your blood levels will spike and drop which can make you more addicted. :eek:

Who have you spoken to in the NHS? Most local Stop Smoking Services have a couple of specialists for pregnant smokers. These will simply have more experience at the many tricks that have worked for other pregnant smokers, as well as more knowledge on the medication aspects.

Does your partner smoke? If so they need to get to the Stop Smoking sessions too, that will help you as well as being better for the baby. Smoking outside the home only really is not enough, either for baby or for you. Psychologically for many smokers the ritual of getting rid of all paraphernalia (ash trays, lighters) helps, and this cannot be done if there are other smokers around. For some things like seeing cig butts and the smell on clothing will trigger a craving.

Sally_A

Totally going against the grain, when I was pregnant back in 1990, the well respected consultant at the hospital told me that whilst he did not recommend smoking, the risk of heightened blood pressure through giving up, was more of a risk than continuing - at the time I was on cigars, as with those you could have a few drags, put them out, and save them for later.

Thankfully daughter was born with a good weight 7lb 15oz, no major illness (slightly jaundiced at birth), and has an IQ well above average. She did suffer from glue ear for a while which could have been smoke related, or could just have been ear infection.

Ironically, after she was born I never smoked for a week as I was bed ridden with anaemia and severe stitches and bruising to my undercarriage, so didn't have the energy to go outside for a smoke.

Do you work? As the designated fag breaks are a crippler, it's not just a smoke, but a break and a gossip.

If you are at home and feel tempted - do something where smoking is impossible - ie get your hands wet, either washing up, hand washing, have a shower etc.

Cleaning your teeth and swirling with mouthwash, could also allay the urge for a while until you get distracted by something else.

Good Luck.

lanclass_2

When you smoke and you're pregnant you always feel guilty - I used to feel embarrassed and ashamed. I managed to stop at 12 weeks for my first pregnancy and then started smoking again when I stopped breastfeeding. When I had 2 more pregnancies I stopped as soon as I knew I was pregnant. After my 3rd, I read the Alan Carr book and it all made sense. I stopped straight away and can honestly say I have NEVER missed cigs since (now 8 years since stopped). Just do the best you can and read the Alan Carr book - it makes you realise how you are missing out on things by huddling outside having a cig!!

Rev

Have you though bout the fake cigarettes?

I got this 21 days ago

http://www.electronics-cigarette.co.uk/ego-t_with_CE4/cat1169319_1527808.aspx

Haven't touched a smoke since, got some apple flavoured juice (but you can get SO man flavours).

You can get different levels of nicotine from v high right down to none at all.

Three of my friends have also quit with them, which is what made me give it a try.

geoffky

good_vibes wrote: »

If you really want to quit you could by the patches yourself. NHS don't give them out. It cost just under £10 for a 7 day course of patches, where a 20 of cigs cost you just over £6 pounds.

Wrong......go and see your practice nurse....they will supply the patches and tablets free of charge...good luck..