Smoking. Enough.

[Courtney555]

Help me stop.

Those of you who smoked, what did you use to stop. Because I'm hating myself for doing it.

Context. 19 weeks pregnant. Stopped for the first 15 weeks because I was so ill I physically couldn't. I'm now not smoking all the time, but if I'm stressed, it's the only thing that helps me.

I'm probably having 2/3 days without, then something gets on top of me and I'll have like 4 in a row. Then 3 more later. And it's wracking me with guilt. I desperately don't want too.

What did you have instead of a cigarette? Please help.

I gave up by using the Allen Carr book, and you can get it from the library.

My 1st pregnancy I was very similar to you. The sickness kicked the habit but stupidly I started again at 32wks when I started experiencing DV.
I never ended up quitting and I always regret it as DD has asthma, I'll never know if it's related to me smoking but even the thought that my choices impacted it have riddled me with guilt for life
This time round I quit at 8 weeks and have used sheer willpower and the experience from my first to put me off even thinking of it again.

One thing though is avoid things that youd do whilst having a cigarette, for example if every day you'd have a coffee with a fag in the morning then change to tea for a while as your brain will automatically associate coffee = cigarette.

Good luck OP it's difficult but honestly it's worth it!x

Smoking really bad for the baby 😣 it must be difficult but can you not maybe tell yourself a cigarette don't make the situation disappear it's just harming the both of you can u talk to ur midwife or gp?

I used an ecig. Used it in pregnancy too.

Ive neve smoked so i cant help u but i wanted to say chat to your midwife she will help u out as im sure she will have advice on what u can do or things to help u stop.u did good at the start so u can do it again.

I also read the Allen Carr book many years ago and haven't smoked since.

I stopped by imagining that with every drag I was blowing smoke in my baby’s face.

Try nicorette quick mist spray instead, a few sprays under your tongue give a really good nicotine rush

I'm going to get a vape/ e cig in the intermediate before I can get to the midwives for help. Are they essentially the same thing or is one reported healthier/safer does anybody know?

There just as bad really, can u not try something that doesn't involve inhaling rubbish

Gum!

I smoked 20 a day for 10 years before I got pregnant. I used Alan Carr Easy Way to Stop Smoking.

TBH, the main thing that got me off it wasn't the health impacts, it was the fact that something else had control of my freedom. It dictated whether I was able to stay in doors on a rainy day. I couldn't, I had to go outside to go smoke. It dictated whether I was able to sit through a flight and chill. I couldn't, I had to feel the withdrawal pangs throughout. How dare something else control my life. Surely I should be free to choose what I want to do with my time.

If people around me seem to be normal and happy without the nicotine substance in their bodies then why can't I.

Its hard for the first few weeks, and I had to stay away from nights out with a few drinks, but after that it becomes easier. I just had to keep telling myself that I want to be free. I don't want something else to control me.

Try the book. It worked for me. I start again after 20 years after a stupid decision to have just one. It took a good 9 months of trying to stop but I did it and after nearly 2 years I am pleased that I have not spent c£8000 on cigarettes and I have my freedom back.

Everyone needs something to help them stop. For me it was my freedom and my independence, not the health or the money. But if you feel strongly enough about something and have a mantra in your head you can do it. Alan Carr book is great, it really is about avoiding all nicotine even vape, gum, spray etc. Its about cleansing it from your system and getting your head in the right place.

Good luck and all the best with the new baby xx

Hypnotherapy - worked on me and DP. Five years on, never wanted another cigarette (and could get through 20 a day).

Try the book - it worked for my Dad. Dont use e cig or vape as the impacts of those also arent clear and it's still crap going into your body. If you need something to keep you busy use gum and maybe get something like a pen to fiddle with in your hands. It's worth perserveing as it's not just a problem when pregnant (thought obviously it will impact your baby it being inside you) - carrying on when your child is born will also have a negative impact on them. Many smokers can't smell it on themselves but even if you smoke away from your child every time you cuddle your child they'll be inhaling in the remnants and it will be all over their clothes and everything. It is not a nice environment. The main thing is to know that you can totally do this! Stay positive and everytime you smoke imagine you're sharing the cigarette with your baby - that sort of visual may also help you.

I was very skeptical but due to the sheer number of good reviews and recommendations from a myriad of people and places, I bought and read Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking just over a week ago. Read it in 2 days and had my last on Monday and haven't smoked since. Hasn't bothered me much at all and I've tried to quit unsuccessfully many times. This time just feels so different.

It's a repetitive and at times difficult book to read, but it isn't long. Go at it with an open mind and power through till the end and it really can change your life.

You can do it!

The NHS recommendation is if you can't quit while pregnant an e-cig is safer than cigarettes. You can even vape with zero nicotine if that works for you, even with nicotine in your eliquid there are no other harmful chemicals.

Do speak to your midwife as they'll be able to help you.

The fact that you are trying to stop is a big step, good luck op

@codenameduchess this would suggest there are other harmful chemicals www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/ - there also does need to be some more research I expect on the subject.

However undoubtedly it is much better to use an e cig or vape than to smoke a cigarette if that is the only way you can quit.

Completely agree that OP is taking a big step recognising the need to quit and trying to - totally focus on the positive work you're doing OP as if you beat yourself up you're less likely to achieve the end goal. Take each step as it comes and work towards the objective giving yourself credit for the positive work you're doing x

i heard nicoretta gums were good. it leaves a bad taste so you cant smoke. i dont know if they are suitable for pregnant women.

E cigs are the same as gum or patches, it's nicotine. Absolutely fine to use

My midwife told me that e-cigs and vaping was more safer and they are recommending women use them instead.
They also had posters recommending e-cigs/vape s as a way to cope than smoking cigs.

I used an ecig. A low nicotine one and gradually reduced to 0 nicotine. I think even a high strength one is better than smoking. I told the midwives I used one and they were fine about it. Good luck op.

Midwifes will advise vapes are 100% safe for baby! I know this is supervising it suprised me too! But it's correct c

I just ate cake, got a bit fat and was a bitch. Cold turkey.

Some things are more important.

Just bite the bullet and do it. It'll hurt, but so does a lot of motherhood. This is your first bit of pain I'm afraid!

Congratulations and welcome to the club- hardest and best thing you'll ever do!

Check in with your midwife-- I know there is research going on near me that supports women to quit smoking when pregnant. There might be clinical trials near you that could help (I'M in a big university city so there's plenty of research going on) Your midwife might be able to refer you.

Non of its good really