A new clinic for pregnant smokers at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation trust has welcomed its first 'smoke free' baby.
Lauren Buxton, 28, from Skelton, was referred to the Best Start in Life Clinic in her third trimester and at the time she was keen to give up smoking.
The Best Start in Life clinic offers smoke free support for pregnant smokers and their partners and significant others.
Partners and significant others can also receive the behavioural support and be referred to local services to receive NRT. NRT is also offered to all partners and birth partners while supporting in labour and on the postnatal ward.
Catherine Moore and Nazihah Younis are Tobacco Dependency Support Workers who work in the clinic.
Nazihah said: “Lauren had many obstacles during her quit journey, which made things difficult. She was always open and honest when she had smoked a cigarette and used this time to talk and reflect.”
Lauren set a quit date for 28 August 2022 and with lots of support and encouragement, Lauren has been smoke-free since.
Since quitting smoking, Lauren gave birth to baby Anthony, and he became the first baby to be born 'smoke free' since our stop smoking service began in July.
Catherine Moore
“Lauren had a rough journey, but she persevered, and her hard work has paid off with the reward of knowing she has given her son the very best start in life.”
When asked about her experience, Lauren said: “Catherine and Naz have really helped me through quitting smoking without any judgement.
“The support they have given me enabled me to quit at a time that I thought I couldn’t. They have helped me every step of the way.
“My experience has been lovely with them, with open and honest conversations which has helped me to do the best for my baby.
“They are lovely people and go above and beyond to help you achieve what you want.”
It’s never too late to join the thousands of people quitting smoking this October
Stoptober, the annual 28 day stop smoking challenge runs throughout October. Whether you want to start breathing easier, feel the energy boost or even have a little more money to spend, there has never been a better time to stop smoking. It’s never too late to join the thousands of people quitting smoking this October.
There is lots of support available, including from local smoking cessation services, and all pregnant women who smoke and access the trust maternity services will be referred to Nazihah and Catherine for individualised support.