Mums and smoking

[NHSKeri]

Hi,
I work in public involvement in health and I'm currently helping the Stop Smoking (for pregnant women and new mums) team in Lambeth & Southwark to develop leaflets. We really need some feedback from women who have been there - either current smokers, women who gave up when pregnant or ex-smokers who can relate to the messages that work.

It's a really sensitive subject, and it's important to get the right balance between giving information, offering encouragement to quit and avoiding sounding preachy or non-judgemental.

Would anyone be willing to be emailed draft leaflets to offer their comments in complete confidence? Could you join our 'expert readers panel?'
If so I'd be very grateful if you could get in touch - sorry can't upload leaflets here but you can also see them by visiting www.southwarkpct.nhs.uk/get_involved
Many thanks,
Keri Lewis [email protected]
Patient & Public Involvement Team
NHS Southwark & Lambeth

I gave up when I was pregnant and then the stress of a very traumatic childbirth experience got me started again. I didn't let this discourage me from trying again afterwards for the sake of my sons and my own good health.
I gave up very slowly by changing firstly to a low tar cigarette since I'd tried many times previously to quit without success. Cigarettes are extremely addictive and, I believe, one of the reasons that puts some people off the idea of quitting. If you withdraw from the habit very gradually, however, the results are much more lasting and you're not climbing the walls for a fag. I first cut down from 20 to 10 per day then when I was ready, AND NOT BEFORE! I gave up one fag at a time. The last fag probably took me 6 months to decide I could do without it altogether and I'd smoke it after my evening meal.
It wasn't easy but I used a tape (by Dick Sutphen) that reminded me of all the good reasons why I should quit...I'd smell cleaner and my breath would be much cleaner making me more attractive to the opposite sex, my sense of taste and smell would return making my food taste flavoursome instead of bland and boring, I'd have more money in my pocket and I could use what I'd saved on fags to reward myself for giving up, treating myself to clothes, perfume and a day or evening out etc.
I believe the key to success was that I did it all at my own pace and even putting on weight didn't discourage me as I simply said to myself, "It's all part of the process of giving up. My appetite has returned and I can take up dancing and ice-skating again and lose it when I'm ready."