Great Manchester’s Smokefree Pregnancy Programme helps pregnant smokers and their partners to quit using a range of support such as behavioural support from specialist maternity tobacco dependency advisors, and free nicotine replacement therapy and an incentive scheme.

34-year-old Amy had quit smoking during the pregnancies of her two older children, Lily May (14) and Jack (12) but restarted when the babies were about two months old. Having smoked since she was a teenager, Amy found it hard to resist temptation once she started to socialise again.

“This time it’s different,” said Amy. “I’m determined to quit for good and Brian feels the same.

“When I was pregnant with my two older children, I was very prepared. They were planned pregnancies, and I was mentally ready to give up smoking for the sake of my babies’ health. Once I’d given birth, that motivation went. My health just didn’t seem as important and when my babies were just weeks old, I’d started smoking again.

“With Ivy – it was a very different situation. When I fell pregnant, it was totally out of the blue and a huge surprise. I just wasn’t prepared to quit and, although I cut down the number of cigarettes, I didn’t stop smoking.

“At my three-month appointment that all changed. My midwife Alex explained all the health harms smoking can do to the baby and me but also explained how you can use quit aids even when pregnant. She told us about vapes and how much safer than tobacco they are and how they can help you. There were also shopping vouchers on offer for successful quitters. It was the kick up the bum that Brian and I needed. Alex gave us the information and confidence to give it a go. Without her help I think we would both still be smoking.

“But now we’re smokefree and now Ivy’s here, we are determined to keep going until we are completely free even of vaping.

“The shopping vouchers have been a great bonus too, that’s in addition to all the money you save from not buying tobacco. I’ve treated myself to a nice coat and we’ve been able to keep the freezer well stocked for the family – it’s been a huge help.

“Since quitting, I feel so much healthier. I don’t get out of breath as much and have lots more energy. Essential when you have a new baby! Brian says he feels better too.

“I’m proud that we’ve both managed to do this together. Our older children are happy too. For years they’ve been telling us to quit smoking and now we’ve finally done it.

“For anyone thinking about it, I would advise them to give it a go. Although it might seem hard and a huge step – it’s easier than you think. I started feeling better almost instantly. Within just two days of quitting, I knew I could keep it up.”