Please can we have someone really sensible on to do a webchat about smoking in pregnancy?

[PencilsInSpace]

In light of yesterday's report by ASH on smoking in pregnancy, and in light of the current thread on smoking in pregnancy with all its usual horrible responses, which are likely to drive pregnant smokers elsewhere and lead them to conclude that MN is not a place to seek support:

Please can we have someone really sensible on to do a webchat about smoking in pregnancy?

I'm sure ASH could suggest someone who can do a webchat. The main conclusion of their report is exactly the same as the issue that comes up on any thread here about smoking in pregnancy - everybody's great at rattling off the risks. Most people are totally shit at effectively communicating with PG smokers and supporting them to quit.

10% of women are still smoking at the time of delivery. That's at least 10% of pregnant women MN is letting down, because I wouldn't come here if I needed support, would you?

This is crap isn't it? Please can we do something to change the culture a little bit? It has to be OK for women who are pregnant and who smoke to ask for support.

Thanks Polter, and three cheers for non-judgmental and pragmatic midwives everywhere!

MNHQ have got back to me and have said they will chase this up

It's disgusting so yes, there should be a stigma attached to it I agree howto

^^ an example of the problem.

Thanks for the bump though, Fluffy

Yeah whatever pencils

Happy to help

The thing is, Fluffy, you say 'there should be a stigma attached to it' as if there isn't already a MASSIVE amount of stigma attached to smoking in pregnancy. There is in fact so much stigma now that it's putting women off seeking the help they need to quit.

This is happening on MN too and it's a massive failure for a parenting site. Too many times I've seen threads started, often by quite vulnerable women, seeking help and support to quit in pregnancy and they are hounded off here. They are told they are filthy disgusting selfish arseholes who don't deserve to have children or are unfit to have children.

How do you imagine this is helping?

If stigma is such a brilliant approach to this problem can you explain why such a high number of women continue to smoke in pg?

I am really pleased MNHQ have got back to you and look forward to seeing a webchat/Q&A.

The fact that hardly any of the 1 in 10 have posted on this or other threads about smoking in pregnancy is very telling.

Bumping to add my support for this :)

Thank you Beyond. Any news yet MNHQ?

What else sensible is there to say apart from "Don't smoke in pregnancy"?

Record time @MNHQ well done

So you do exist then? Read the thread at all ?

I think we really need to stop the stigma as it's not helping at all.
A close friend of mine smoked during pregnancy and lied to her midwife and other health professionals as she knew they would judge. If the stigma wasn't there she could have got the help she needed to quit? She still smokes now, albeit only 2 a day now when baby is asleep, but she could have received help. Your stigma and anger really isn't helping anyone tbh.

MN fora are not supportive for lots and lots and lots of things.

@MNHQ there's another thread today. Pregnant women who smoke are being referred to as 'selfish cunts', 'fucking disgusting' and 'the pits'. They are being told that if they can't quit they 'shouldn't even have a baby'.

Please please please can you help change MN culture around this issue? One in ten is rather a lot of pg women we're letting down. Has there been any progress yet with the webchat request?

[quote PencilsInSpace]@MNHQ there's another thread today. Pregnant women who smoke are being referred to as 'selfish cunts', 'fucking disgusting' and 'the pits'. They are being told that if they can't quit they 'shouldn't even have a baby'.

Please please please can you help change MN culture around this issue? One in ten is rather a lot of pg women we're letting down. Has there been any progress yet with the webchat request?[/quote]

Hello!

Afraid we're still waiting for an update on this one but will let you know as soon as we know more.

In the meantime, we'll pop over to the thread and remove any posts that break our talk guidelines.

Thank you!

This is a really good suggestion and I'm glad MNHQ are taking it on board, hopefully the Q&A will happen shortly and the vile posters who have done nothing but attack pregnant women will be prevented from participating in it. A space for the women who actually most need the information and support without such judgement would be great.

Hello, has there been any progress on this yet? There's another thread here.

Usual stuff.

Someone from the Smoking In Pregnancy Challenge Group would be good

This sounds a good idea - any news?

I COULD HAVE HAD A BABY SINCE STARTING THIS THREAD

How many unique visitors/month does MN have?

How many of those are pregnant?

10% of those.

SHOUTY CAPITALS entirely justified, Pencils - so sorry we've kept you hanging on so long.

Will check with our Webchat team and see where we're at. Will be back asap.

Thank you Dawn

Pencils I've had my baby since this thread was started, 4.5 months old now!

ew1990