17/11/2025
This week (17 – 21 November) is Smokefree Maternity Week.
When Natalie found out she was pregnant, she knew wanted to quit. “The baby’s health was my main priority. I was never going to smoke through my pregnancy, but the scheme made it easier”.
The smoke free pregnancy support programme offers regular check-ins, CO testing and a financial incentive.
“Those early days were the hardest. Before the bump shows, it doesn’t feel real. Having someone check in and knowing I’d be tested kept me on track.”
For Natalie, Whittington Health’s To***co Dependency Service made all the difference.
“It was brilliant. When I gave birth, they came down to see us. I told them, ‘My baby’s healthy because of you’”.
She admits it wasn’t always easy. “I was pregnant through summer, so being around friends was hard but they supported me and never offered me a cigarette.”
Now, more than two months after giving birth to baby Layla, Natalie is still smoke free.
Her message for other is not too be too hard on yourself “It’s tough but do it for your baby. Once you go nine months without smoking, you won’t want to go back”. 💙
👉 Search ‘Smoke Free NHS’ to start your smoke free journey
