Stopping smoking and remaining smoke free is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby and quitting is most successful with the right advice and support. We know that smoking is harmful to babies and treatment for tobacco dependency is now a standard part of your maternity care. Quitting at any time in pregnancy or the postnatal period is a benefit to both you and your little one however the sooner you quit, the greater the benefits.
You’ll be asked about your smoking status at your booking appointment with the community midwife and will be offered Carbon Monoxide (CO) testing at this and subsequent maternity appointments. We’ll then pass your details on to our specialist maternity stop smoking service who will contact you about your options.
We understand that it can be difficult to stop smoking and that women’s lives can be complex and we are here to support you throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born. The specialist service can be accessed by referral from your midwife, or you can refer yourself at any time.
Seeing a local specialist adviser is free and will boost your chances of quitting. You can see a trained adviser alone or with a friend/ family member. Your adviser will give you advice about stop smoking medication that may help you quit, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), supporting you throughout your quit journey The service is available free of charge and you can use the Newcastle service if you are receiving maternity care at Newcastle hospitals.
The Newcastle maternity tobacco dependency treatment service offers support to quit whether you’re at home or in hospital. Look out for us in your local community area or drop-in to see us when you attend for your scan appointments. We can also visit you at home if this is best for you.
Contact details and further information:
For maternity queries email: nuth.newcastlematernitystopsmokingservice@nhs.net
Phone/ text: 07927578376
For general local information visit Newcastle Stop Smoking Service Website.
For general information on quitting or to use the NHS Smoke free app.
