As Stoptober draws to a close, a Leyburn resident is urging pregnant women to quit smoking, following her own experience of stopping the harmful addiction for the health of her baby.
Charlotte Farr, 33, is one of the many pregnant women being supported on their smoking cessation journey by the maternity tobacco dependency team at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Smoking during pregnancy is dangerous as cigarettes contain more than 4,000 chemicals, which can harm an unborn baby by restricting the essential oxygen supply.
The 33-year-old was referred to the trust’s maternity ‘Best Start in Life clinic’, which is a dedicated service that offers one-to-one support for pregnant smokers and their partners and significant others.
In 2024 so far, the clinic has offered support to 357 pregnant smokers to help them give up the harmful addiction.
Charlotte, who started smoking at the age of 13 to socialise and fit in with her peers, could not go a day without smoking.
During a routine appointment on 8 May 2024, Charlotte discovered that she was pregnant, and she was instantly referred to the clinic by her midwife – due to her smoking history.
Here, Charlotte met maternity support worker Rebecca Eason, who runs the maternity smoking cessation clinic at the Friarage Hospital, and described her as ‘non-judgmental’ and ‘supportive’.
Charlotte said: “The support I received from Becky (Rebecca) was the best – she immediately jumped at the chance to help me and explained the different options available.
“If I was unable to make an appointment or we missed a week due to commitments on both sides she would phone me to check in which really helped as it was like a reminder to keep going even when I was not in the clinic.
At the end of every appointment she would always ask ‘Do you feel like you need more support’. The support she offered already was enough but it was nice to know that even if I was struggling the offer was there.”
Charlotte’s treatment has included weekly meetings, nicotine replacement therapy, use of a vape and chewing gum.
Thanks to support from Becky and the wider clinic, Charlotte has quit smoking since the past 28 weeks.
After smoking for two decades, Charlotte is eager to welcome her daughter into her new ‘smoke-free’ life.
Rebecca said: “It has been a privilege to support Charlotte throughout her smoking cessation journey. She has shown incredible determination and willpower in quitting smoking, not only for her own health but also for the well-being of her unborn child.
“Charlotte explored several nicotine replacement therapies, and while not all of them suited her, she never let that hinder her commitment to her goal.
“I am also proud that cigarettes no longer control her life, and she has truly achieved her own milestones. It’s a joy to see her hard work pay off, and I couldn’t be happier for Charlotte.”
She has now teamed up with Becky and hoping to inspire pregnant women in the community to put a full stop to smoking by sharing her story.
Charlotte, who is expecting her baby in January 2025, said:
Being able to tell Harley, our little girl, when she is born that her mum managed to stop smoking after 20 years is something that I hope she can learn from.
“I believe in action-led behaviour and our actions today affect the young ones of tomorrow. Don’t fear being judged, just reach out. The only person judging you is yourself.”
If you are a pregnant woman struggling to quit smoking, please contact your midwife for help today or visit the smokefree section of the website.