smoking..

[Minniemouse94]

Thought I'd post here to say this is my 5th day of not smoking and I feel so brilliant knowing my child is benefiting from this!
Any mummies to be who are still smoking, have faith in yourself! You're stronger than you think!

God is this still going?!

Particularly amused that some people think the OP is getting flamed because the people doing so have their own hang ups about their own pregnancy.

Some of us have had the odd drink. The odd coffee.
I personally follow NHS guidelines if I do feel the need or am not sure. Same with food, caffeine etc.

Most of us who have critiqued her, have also said well done. Just critiqued other parts of her posts.

Smoking is terrible of course and should be avoided but some people have very difficult situations which might make quitting more difficult and stressful than for others. So while 26 weeks of having smoked is not ideal, quitting now and in the long-term not smoking around the child will reduce damage from now. I type this after I've just had a massive hot chocolate to drink, which is not good for me or the baby so unless people are saints throughout their pregnancy, I don't think they're in a position to make judgments on others.
OP - congratulations and keep up the good work.

I don't understand why 'critiquing' the OP is necessary at all. Whose benefit is it for?

It goes without saying that op is already aware of why smoking in pregnancy isn't ideal, or otherwise she wouldn't have quit, so it's not either useful or pleasant for people to have a go.

car honestly wasn't implying you aren't doing good enough to be anxious, or having a go because I truly didn't mean it that way. I genuinely was just using it to illustrate that all of us, me included, are imperfect.

'Critiquing' really?!

Not a problem at all lurked. You're completely right- my anxiety could negatively impact my daughter at some stage of her life. I guess I'm open to opinions that aren't all glowingly positive since I posted on a public forum.

I don't think people are bothered by the negative opinions, as such. I think it's just the fact that OP HAS STOPPED smoking, everyone on planet earth knows how bad it is to smoke in pregnancy! More to the point! That's exactly why we have offered words of support and encouragement! Why would we choose to dwell on the 26 weeks of damage? What good could possibly come from that? Words of support and encouragement can make the world of difference to someone who is fighting addiction! Helping this lady beat her addiction will give her child a better start at life! If we can, in some small way, help to give a baby a healthier future, why would we not want to do that? People who post on here are looking for support and advice. Not scrutiny.

I was more bothered about the fact she was basically told not to post in pregnancy despite it being pregnant related..

Urgh, lots of judgemental twats out in force I see. People do realise that even midwives recommend that heavy smokers cut down, and then stop during pregnancy, rather than going cold turkey?

Obviously smoking isn't ideal, and it's much better to stop completely whilst pregnant. That said, women smoked and drank throughout pregnancy for fucking YEARS and miraculously, the human species survived with no long term damage.

Well done OP. Keep up the good work!