Giving up smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your baby’s health, growth and development, as well as your long-term health.
A new midwife-led programme – called Quit for Two – is now available at all main hospitals in Kent and Medway.
During your first midwife appointment, if you are a smoker, you will be referred to a dedicated maternity support worker (MSW) who will support you to quit smoking.
The MSW is trained to offer friendly advice and support to help you quit smoking. They know during a pregnancy there is a lot of change and it’s an emotional time too. They offer non-judgemental support from the very first appointment.
Self refer
You can self refer prior to seeing a midwife.
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust: dgn-tr.fetalwellbeing@nhs.net
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust: ekhuft.smokefreepregnancy@nhs.net
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: mtw-tr.smokefreematernity@nhs.net
- Medway NHS Foundation Trust: medwayft.smokefree.maternity@nhs.net
Help in the community
One You Kent and A Better Medway can also support you to quit smoking.
One You Kent has a specialist team dedicated to supporting pregnant women and their families to quit smoking. Find tips and support for pregnant women and their families in the video playlist
A Better Medway's stop smoking service provides specialist support for pregnant women wanting to stop smoking in Medway, with access to free nicotine replacement therapy.
There are specialist midwives who are trained to support women to quit smoking during pregnancy and save babies lives. Speak to your midwife to find out about this service.
This animation courtesy of Tommy's explains the effects of smoking on your baby.
