You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Thursday 30 September 2010
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Giving birth in a hospital: what to pack in your bag
Ever wondered what you need to pack in your bag to take to hospital? Here is an article taken from NHS Choices to help you pack the right items.
If you're having your baby in hospital, pack your bag well in advance (ideally by 37 weeks), so that you'll be ready to go if labour starts early.
You'll need:
* Something loose and comfortable to wear in labour. It shouldn't restrict you from moving around, or make you feel too hot. You may need about three changes of clothes.
* Two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed. Your breasts will be much larger than usual.
* About 24 super-absorbent sanitary towels.
* A washbag with toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, flannel, hairbrush, deodorant and other toiletries.
* Towels.
* Things that can help you pass the time and relax, such as books, magazines and music.
* A sponge or water spray to cool you down.
* Front-opening nighties, if you're going to breastfeed.
* Two T-shirts (one old one for labour).
* Dressing gown, slippers and socks.
* Five or six pairs of knickers, as you'll probably want to change them often to stay fresh.
* A loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you've given birth and when you go home.
* List of phone numbers.
* Some hospitals or midwife-led units will let you use your mobile phone. If you can't, make sure you have a phone card, or coins for the pay phone.
For your baby
* Disposable nappies (newborn size), or newborn-sized reuseable nappies.
* Cottonwool balls.
* Clothes, including a hat.
* A shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in.
Time to come home
* You’ll need a baby car seat. Get advice from a reputable shop when you’re buying this, and ask for a fitting demonstration.
To read this article on NHS Choices, please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Packyourhospitalbag.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
If you're having your baby in hospital, pack your bag well in advance (ideally by 37 weeks), so that you'll be ready to go if labour starts early.
You'll need:
* Something loose and comfortable to wear in labour. It shouldn't restrict you from moving around, or make you feel too hot. You may need about three changes of clothes.
* Two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed. Your breasts will be much larger than usual.
* About 24 super-absorbent sanitary towels.
* A washbag with toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, flannel, hairbrush, deodorant and other toiletries.
* Towels.
* Things that can help you pass the time and relax, such as books, magazines and music.
* A sponge or water spray to cool you down.
* Front-opening nighties, if you're going to breastfeed.
* Two T-shirts (one old one for labour).
* Dressing gown, slippers and socks.
* Five or six pairs of knickers, as you'll probably want to change them often to stay fresh.
* A loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you've given birth and when you go home.
* List of phone numbers.
* Some hospitals or midwife-led units will let you use your mobile phone. If you can't, make sure you have a phone card, or coins for the pay phone.
For your baby
* Disposable nappies (newborn size), or newborn-sized reuseable nappies.
* Cottonwool balls.
* Clothes, including a hat.
* A shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in.
Time to come home
* You’ll need a baby car seat. Get advice from a reputable shop when you’re buying this, and ask for a fitting demonstration.
To read this article on NHS Choices, please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Packyourhospitalbag.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Postnatal Depression
Taken from the NHS Choices, here is an article containing some information about postnatal depression.
If after giving birth the feeling of tearfulness hasn't cleared up within a few weeks, talking to your midwife or GP can help.
As many as eight out of 10 women get what's known as the 'baby blues'. It normally begins within a few days of the birth, and common symptoms include bursting into tears for no reason, or feeling fantastic one minute and miserable the next. Fortunately, the symptoms only last for a short time.
If you become more unhappy or upset, or if your low mood lasts longer than a week, you might have postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression affects one in 10 new mums. You're more likely to develop postnatal depression if:
• you’ve been depressed in the past,
• there's a family history of postnatal depression or depression during pregnancy,
• you've had a difficult pregnancy, or problems with your baby’s health,
• you feel isolated, with nobody close to talk to,
• you've had a recent bereavement,
• you have little money or nowhere settled to live, or
• you have twins or triplets, mainly because of the additional stress of caring for more than one baby.
But postnatal depression can happen to anybody, no matter what your circumstances, and no matter how much you love your baby.
If you’re feeling low, talk about it. Tell your partner, a friend or anyone you’re close to who’s a good listener. In milder cases, which are common, just having someone to talk to can often make you feel better.
To read the full article and to find out signs to look our for and ways you can get help & support please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/postnataldepression.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
If after giving birth the feeling of tearfulness hasn't cleared up within a few weeks, talking to your midwife or GP can help.
As many as eight out of 10 women get what's known as the 'baby blues'. It normally begins within a few days of the birth, and common symptoms include bursting into tears for no reason, or feeling fantastic one minute and miserable the next. Fortunately, the symptoms only last for a short time.
If you become more unhappy or upset, or if your low mood lasts longer than a week, you might have postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression affects one in 10 new mums. You're more likely to develop postnatal depression if:
• you’ve been depressed in the past,
• there's a family history of postnatal depression or depression during pregnancy,
• you've had a difficult pregnancy, or problems with your baby’s health,
• you feel isolated, with nobody close to talk to,
• you've had a recent bereavement,
• you have little money or nowhere settled to live, or
• you have twins or triplets, mainly because of the additional stress of caring for more than one baby.
But postnatal depression can happen to anybody, no matter what your circumstances, and no matter how much you love your baby.
If you’re feeling low, talk about it. Tell your partner, a friend or anyone you’re close to who’s a good listener. In milder cases, which are common, just having someone to talk to can often make you feel better.
To read the full article and to find out signs to look our for and ways you can get help & support please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/postnataldepression.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Travel during pregnancy
Ever thought is it safe to travel during pregnancy? Here is some information taken from the NHS Choices website to guide you on what’s best.
With the proper precautions, and armed with information on when to travel, vaccinations and insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.
If your pregnancy has no complications, the best time to travel is when you are 14 to 28 weeks pregnant.
Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you require urgent medical attention.
It’s a good idea to take your medical records with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary. Have a check-up before you travel and don’t go unless you get the all-clear from your doctor.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.
To read the full article on when to travel, vaccinations, food and drink abroad please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelandpregnancy.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
With the proper precautions, and armed with information on when to travel, vaccinations and insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.
If your pregnancy has no complications, the best time to travel is when you are 14 to 28 weeks pregnant.
Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you require urgent medical attention.
It’s a good idea to take your medical records with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary. Have a check-up before you travel and don’t go unless you get the all-clear from your doctor.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.
To read the full article on when to travel, vaccinations, food and drink abroad please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelandpregnancy.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Where to give birth
Taken from the NHS Choices website, here is an article containing some information on the different places you can give birth.
Most babies in the UK are born in hospital, but some are born at home or in a midwife-led birth centre. Your midwife will know what’s available in your area.
Giving birth is generally safe wherever you choose to have your baby. It's your choice, and you can change your mind if you want to.
Your midwife will discuss the local options available to you, although you're free to choose any maternity services if you're prepared to travel to them. You can also get more information from:
* children's centres,
* your GP surgery,
* local maternity units,
* the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which can put you in touch with local mothers (see Useful links), or
* a supervisor of midwives (contact a maternity unit and ask to speak to the supervisor of midwives).
Wherever you choose to give birth, you'll be able to write your own birth plan, which includes all your preferred choices for the labour and birth.
To read the full article on where you can give birth please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Wheretogivebirth.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Most babies in the UK are born in hospital, but some are born at home or in a midwife-led birth centre. Your midwife will know what’s available in your area.
Giving birth is generally safe wherever you choose to have your baby. It's your choice, and you can change your mind if you want to.
Your midwife will discuss the local options available to you, although you're free to choose any maternity services if you're prepared to travel to them. You can also get more information from:
* children's centres,
* your GP surgery,
* local maternity units,
* the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which can put you in touch with local mothers (see Useful links), or
* a supervisor of midwives (contact a maternity unit and ask to speak to the supervisor of midwives).
Wherever you choose to give birth, you'll be able to write your own birth plan, which includes all your preferred choices for the labour and birth.
To read the full article on where you can give birth please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Wheretogivebirth.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Eating well for Pregnancy
Here is some information on how to eat well during your pregnancy taken from the NHS Choices website.
Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy can help to protect the health of you and your baby. It's also a good idea to eat healthily if you're trying for a baby because a healthy pregnancy starts well before conception.
Take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day while you're trying to get pregnant, and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. A neural tube defect is when the foetus's spinal cord (part of the body's nervous system) doesn't form normally.
Folic acid tablets are widely available from pharmacies, or you can talk to your GP about getting a prescription.
Don't worry if you get pregnant unexpectedly and weren't taking folic acid supplements. Start taking them as soon as you find out, until you're past the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Do take your folic acid supplement every day.
• Do eat plenty of food rich in folate (the natural form of folic acid), such as green leafy vegetables, including spinach and watercress, nuts, pulses, wholegrains and fruit juice.
And:
• Don't take supplements that contain vitamin A, because too much vitamin A can cause foetal abnormalities.
• Don't eat liver or products that contain it, such as paté. Liver contains a lot of vitamin A.
To read the full article on which foods are safe to eat during pregnancy go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/healthyeating.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy can help to protect the health of you and your baby. It's also a good idea to eat healthily if you're trying for a baby because a healthy pregnancy starts well before conception.
Take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day while you're trying to get pregnant, and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. A neural tube defect is when the foetus's spinal cord (part of the body's nervous system) doesn't form normally.
Folic acid tablets are widely available from pharmacies, or you can talk to your GP about getting a prescription.
Don't worry if you get pregnant unexpectedly and weren't taking folic acid supplements. Start taking them as soon as you find out, until you're past the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Do take your folic acid supplement every day.
• Do eat plenty of food rich in folate (the natural form of folic acid), such as green leafy vegetables, including spinach and watercress, nuts, pulses, wholegrains and fruit juice.
And:
• Don't take supplements that contain vitamin A, because too much vitamin A can cause foetal abnormalities.
• Don't eat liver or products that contain it, such as paté. Liver contains a lot of vitamin A.
To read the full article on which foods are safe to eat during pregnancy go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/healthyeating.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Monday 2 August 2010
Monday 5 July 2010
Sarah: On how she thinks Midwife Hull can help her and others.
Sarah – 29 weeks pregnant on:
On how she thinks Midwife Hull can help her and others.
Sarah said: “Yeah, it’s a good idea. Cos there’s a lot of younger mums using Facebook all the time don’t they? Cos I know my friends are always like putting pictures of their baby up and telling everybody about their first scan and things, so it’s a good idea.
I think it’s better than having just a person. I think it would get used quite a lot I think it’s a really good idea to be honest.
I would especially use it if its going to have different information on cos if you know it’s from an actual midwife, you know it’s you know something you can definitely trust.”
Midwife Hull said: "Hull midwife is a midwife working in Hull; I’ve been a midwife for 13 years with lots of experience. My advice will be research based and unbiased so no old wives tales."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
On how she thinks Midwife Hull can help her and others.
Sarah said: “Yeah, it’s a good idea. Cos there’s a lot of younger mums using Facebook all the time don’t they? Cos I know my friends are always like putting pictures of their baby up and telling everybody about their first scan and things, so it’s a good idea.
I think it’s better than having just a person. I think it would get used quite a lot I think it’s a really good idea to be honest.
I would especially use it if its going to have different information on cos if you know it’s from an actual midwife, you know it’s you know something you can definitely trust.”
Midwife Hull said: "Hull midwife is a midwife working in Hull; I’ve been a midwife for 13 years with lots of experience. My advice will be research based and unbiased so no old wives tales."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Sarah: Hoping your body and baby help you stop smoking.
Sarah – 29 weeks pregnant on:
Hoping your body and baby help you stop smoking.
Sarah said: “It it’s between ten and fifteen a day and I’m trying to cut it down. Well I was hoping when I got pregnant I’d be one of them people that, you know, when you take a drag of your cig you end up borking and being sick.
But nooo! My baby obviously like’s it! No, but you see these people don’t you they get pregnant and they have a drag of a cig and they’re like bleurrghhh I don’t like it. Yeah, not me no I just carried on smoking. Mine seems to like it. Bad baby.”
Midwife Hull said: "Smoking can often make you feel sick and this can be really useful in motivating you to stop. Your baby doesn’t influence whether you go off cigarettes or not they certainly won’t like it."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Hoping your body and baby help you stop smoking.
Sarah said: “It it’s between ten and fifteen a day and I’m trying to cut it down. Well I was hoping when I got pregnant I’d be one of them people that, you know, when you take a drag of your cig you end up borking and being sick.
But nooo! My baby obviously like’s it! No, but you see these people don’t you they get pregnant and they have a drag of a cig and they’re like bleurrghhh I don’t like it. Yeah, not me no I just carried on smoking. Mine seems to like it. Bad baby.”
Midwife Hull said: "Smoking can often make you feel sick and this can be really useful in motivating you to stop. Your baby doesn’t influence whether you go off cigarettes or not they certainly won’t like it."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Sarah: Smoking as a means of copying with stress.
Sarah – 29 weeks pregnant on:
Smoking as a means of copying with stress.
Sarah said: “I’m smoking. I did stop smoking, but then my nana was really poorly in hospital. Cos with me; my thing with smoking is stress. I rely on it all the time for stress, so I got a bit stressed and I started smoking and then she died, so then I was even more stressed so and I’m not smoking excessively like I used to, but I’m still smoking a lot more than I should be, between ten and fifteen a day. I should be cutting down. But I’m not getting anywhere with it. I just I get really stressed all of a sudden, I’m like that I need a cig and I can’t think of another way at the moment to try and cope.”
Midwife Hull said: "Smoking for many people can be a way of relieving stress and pregnancy can be a stressful time. Trying other things to try and relax such as deep breathing concentrating on the breaths out, getting 5 minutes fresh air, phoning a friend, having a coffee or a quick walk round the block."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Smoking as a means of copying with stress.
Sarah said: “I’m smoking. I did stop smoking, but then my nana was really poorly in hospital. Cos with me; my thing with smoking is stress. I rely on it all the time for stress, so I got a bit stressed and I started smoking and then she died, so then I was even more stressed so and I’m not smoking excessively like I used to, but I’m still smoking a lot more than I should be, between ten and fifteen a day. I should be cutting down. But I’m not getting anywhere with it. I just I get really stressed all of a sudden, I’m like that I need a cig and I can’t think of another way at the moment to try and cope.”
Midwife Hull said: "Smoking for many people can be a way of relieving stress and pregnancy can be a stressful time. Trying other things to try and relax such as deep breathing concentrating on the breaths out, getting 5 minutes fresh air, phoning a friend, having a coffee or a quick walk round the block."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stacey: On having the support of those closest to you in stopping smoking.
Stacey – 35 weeks pregnant on:
On having the support of those closest to you in stopping smoking.
Stacey said: “I was yeah, I really want to stop smoking and I tried well, I tried getting my mam into it as well but she wasn’t interested. It’s harder when there’s somewhere there smoking all the time; do you know what I mean?”
Midwife Hull said: "Having support from those closest to you is really important especially if they decide to quit at the same time.
We know you are much more likely to quit if you are supported by people you live with. Secondary smoke also puts your baby at risk of developing
Breathing problems etc so having others around you stopping will help give your baby the best start. Dads often feel left out in pregnancy but quitting can be the single best thing they can do."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
On having the support of those closest to you in stopping smoking.
Stacey said: “I was yeah, I really want to stop smoking and I tried well, I tried getting my mam into it as well but she wasn’t interested. It’s harder when there’s somewhere there smoking all the time; do you know what I mean?”
Midwife Hull said: "Having support from those closest to you is really important especially if they decide to quit at the same time.
We know you are much more likely to quit if you are supported by people you live with. Secondary smoke also puts your baby at risk of developing
Breathing problems etc so having others around you stopping will help give your baby the best start. Dads often feel left out in pregnancy but quitting can be the single best thing they can do."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stacey: On how stop smoking services need to be suited for the individual and how it helped her.
Stacey – 35 weeks pregnant on:
On how stop smoking services need to be suited for the individual and how it helped her.
Stacey said: “I think it’s each to their own I think everybody’s different and I also think it depends on how much people are smoking. Like you get the like chain-smokers and then you just get like social smokers do you know?
No it’s not [easy to stop] but when didn’t have to pay for the prescriptions, basically so that was why I did when it wasn’t gonna cost me any money.”
Midwife Hull says: "Smoke free families aim to arrange with you where the most convenient place to meet, this is is usually a clinic or children’s centre. Bringing along your mum, partner or friend is a good idea. This will help to give you lots of support.
It’s free and times are to suit you, so if you work it can be in the evening."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
On how stop smoking services need to be suited for the individual and how it helped her.
Stacey said: “I think it’s each to their own I think everybody’s different and I also think it depends on how much people are smoking. Like you get the like chain-smokers and then you just get like social smokers do you know?
No it’s not [easy to stop] but when didn’t have to pay for the prescriptions, basically so that was why I did when it wasn’t gonna cost me any money.”
Midwife Hull says: "Smoke free families aim to arrange with you where the most convenient place to meet, this is is usually a clinic or children’s centre. Bringing along your mum, partner or friend is a good idea. This will help to give you lots of support.
It’s free and times are to suit you, so if you work it can be in the evening."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stacey: The affects of smoking on the development of the baby.
Stacey – 35 weeks pregnant on:
The affects of smoking on the development of the baby.
Stacey said: “As for smaller babies and all the rest, I don’t know I don’t actually know if I believe that either because a baby just develops as it is isn’t it? Basically if you have a little baby, you have a little one, if you have a big one you have a big one. I mean I smoked through my pregnancy but I’m massive do you know what I mean? It’s only like I’ve only been stopped three months and I’m thirty-five weeks, so basically I was smoking til I was about nearly 5 months pregnant anyway, so I cant see how much how it’s done any effects.”
Midwife Hull said: "Stopping is the best thing you could do for your baby, no one would disagree, but even stopping at the end of pregnancy is better than never."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
The affects of smoking on the development of the baby.
Stacey said: “As for smaller babies and all the rest, I don’t know I don’t actually know if I believe that either because a baby just develops as it is isn’t it? Basically if you have a little baby, you have a little one, if you have a big one you have a big one. I mean I smoked through my pregnancy but I’m massive do you know what I mean? It’s only like I’ve only been stopped three months and I’m thirty-five weeks, so basically I was smoking til I was about nearly 5 months pregnant anyway, so I cant see how much how it’s done any effects.”
Midwife Hull said: "Stopping is the best thing you could do for your baby, no one would disagree, but even stopping at the end of pregnancy is better than never."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stacey: How she isn’t sure about the real risks of smoking in pregnancy?
Stacey – 35 weeks pregnant on:
How she isn’t sure about the real risks of smoking in pregnancy?
Stacey said: “I don’t actually see a problem with smoking through pregnancy. Everybody I’ve known that has smoked through pregnancy and their babies have been fine. So the chances aren’t exactly really high are they?”
Midwife Hull said: "Of course not everyone who smokes has problems but the odds are higher. It’s a bit like not wearing your seatbelt in the car, you might be ok
But the chances of having a more serious accident are raised."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
How she isn’t sure about the real risks of smoking in pregnancy?
Stacey said: “I don’t actually see a problem with smoking through pregnancy. Everybody I’ve known that has smoked through pregnancy and their babies have been fine. So the chances aren’t exactly really high are they?”
Midwife Hull said: "Of course not everyone who smokes has problems but the odds are higher. It’s a bit like not wearing your seatbelt in the car, you might be ok
But the chances of having a more serious accident are raised."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stacey: Is smoking in pregnancy really that bad?
Stacey – 35 weeks pregnant on:
Is smoking in pregnancy really that bad?
Stacey said: “I mean a lot of people put across “oh smoking’s real bad and this that and the other” but there’s a lot of people out there that do much worse things like taking like heroin and things like that.
That’s got more to do more to the baby than out else, so I don’t think smoking is actually a big like problem."
Midwife Hull said: "Smoking in pregnancy can have devastating affects on baby We know it increases you having a baby early (premature) which can mean your tiny baby is in hospital for longer and can affect how you bond with baby. Also smoking increases the risks of your baby developing chest infections, ear infections and asthma all of which may mean more admissions to hospital and taking medication."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Is smoking in pregnancy really that bad?
Stacey said: “I mean a lot of people put across “oh smoking’s real bad and this that and the other” but there’s a lot of people out there that do much worse things like taking like heroin and things like that.
That’s got more to do more to the baby than out else, so I don’t think smoking is actually a big like problem."
Midwife Hull said: "Smoking in pregnancy can have devastating affects on baby We know it increases you having a baby early (premature) which can mean your tiny baby is in hospital for longer and can affect how you bond with baby. Also smoking increases the risks of your baby developing chest infections, ear infections and asthma all of which may mean more admissions to hospital and taking medication."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stacey: How the service has helped her to stop smoking.
Stacey – 35 weeks pregnant on:
How the service has helped her to stop smoking.
Stacey said: “I’m thirty-five weeks this week, I was smoking in the beginning of the pregnancy, so I went to I go to smoking cessation at the Orchard Park Health Centre. I get vouchers every month for stopping smoking and they help me out with giving me nicotine patches and the inhalator.
You have to blow into like a machine [carbon monoxide test] and every time you go you know just to prove that you’re clear. It works for me”
Midwife Hull said: "The service has obviously helped you quit but well done you as it can be tough!
The first appointment can be the hardest wondering what to expect but once you realise that the team is there to help you, not to judge it will get easier. It will always be at a venue that suits you so limiting your travel and time."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
How the service has helped her to stop smoking.
Stacey said: “I’m thirty-five weeks this week, I was smoking in the beginning of the pregnancy, so I went to I go to smoking cessation at the Orchard Park Health Centre. I get vouchers every month for stopping smoking and they help me out with giving me nicotine patches and the inhalator.
You have to blow into like a machine [carbon monoxide test] and every time you go you know just to prove that you’re clear. It works for me”
Midwife Hull said: "The service has obviously helped you quit but well done you as it can be tough!
The first appointment can be the hardest wondering what to expect but once you realise that the team is there to help you, not to judge it will get easier. It will always be at a venue that suits you so limiting your travel and time."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: The challenge of breaking smoking habits, particularly when you have more time.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
The challenge of breaking smoking habits, particularly when you have more time.
Tina said: “I have tried stopping again once yeah. I did cut down, but then it’s just hard with the habits.
Like I’ve been smoking for so many years, it’ll just be not even realising I’m doing it and I’m just like oh I’ve got a cig in my hand do you know what I mean?
Now I’m not at work I seem to like be smoking maybe a little bit more.”
Midwife Hull said: "Having more time on your hands can lead to sometimes smoking more.
Trying to avoid situations where you usually have a cigarette can help, maybe swapping that cuppa in a morning when you usually have a cigarette. Try a glass of juice and a breath of fresh air, try texting when you feel the need."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
The challenge of breaking smoking habits, particularly when you have more time.
Tina said: “I have tried stopping again once yeah. I did cut down, but then it’s just hard with the habits.
Like I’ve been smoking for so many years, it’ll just be not even realising I’m doing it and I’m just like oh I’ve got a cig in my hand do you know what I mean?
Now I’m not at work I seem to like be smoking maybe a little bit more.”
Midwife Hull said: "Having more time on your hands can lead to sometimes smoking more.
Trying to avoid situations where you usually have a cigarette can help, maybe swapping that cuppa in a morning when you usually have a cigarette. Try a glass of juice and a breath of fresh air, try texting when you feel the need."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: Moving onto light cigarettes.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
Moving onto light cigarettes.
Tina said: “I smoke ten to fifteen a day, so quite bad, but erm I did go onto lights when I started when I found out I was pregnant.”
Midwife Hull said: "Lower tar is better but remember it still contains the chemicals. We would recommend stopping rather than changing."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Moving onto light cigarettes.
Tina said: “I smoke ten to fifteen a day, so quite bad, but erm I did go onto lights when I started when I found out I was pregnant.”
Midwife Hull said: "Lower tar is better but remember it still contains the chemicals. We would recommend stopping rather than changing."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: The chemicals that go into you and your baby if you smoke.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
The chemicals that go into you and your baby if you smoke.
Tina said: “I think sometimes it’s good to use scare tactics, but it’s not worked with me do you know what I mean? What they should say is what all the chemicals are in the cigarettes and that they are harming your baby.”
Midwife Hull said: "It can be scary knowing what is in a cigarette. There are over 4000 chemicals in one cigarette which then goes into your blood stream, within minutes these toxins are passing into .babies’ blood stream. This restricts the essential oxygen supply to your baby so their tiny heart has to beat faster."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
The chemicals that go into you and your baby if you smoke.
Tina said: “I think sometimes it’s good to use scare tactics, but it’s not worked with me do you know what I mean? What they should say is what all the chemicals are in the cigarettes and that they are harming your baby.”
Midwife Hull said: "It can be scary knowing what is in a cigarette. There are over 4000 chemicals in one cigarette which then goes into your blood stream, within minutes these toxins are passing into .babies’ blood stream. This restricts the essential oxygen supply to your baby so their tiny heart has to beat faster."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: Stopping smoking for yourself and choosing a healthy lifestyle.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
Stopping smoking for yourself and choosing a healthy lifestyle.
Tina said: “I’ve given up smoking for the simple reason I wanted to have a healthy; I want a healthy lifestyle and yeah it’s an added bonus for me giving up smoking cause I’m pregnant and everything else but I’m doing it for not just because of the money.”
Midwife Hull said: "Being pregnant is sometimes the ideal time to make very positive lifestyle choices whether it’s getting your five a day or stopping smoking.
Making small changes now can be beneficial to you and ensures best start with your new baby."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stopping smoking for yourself and choosing a healthy lifestyle.
Tina said: “I’ve given up smoking for the simple reason I wanted to have a healthy; I want a healthy lifestyle and yeah it’s an added bonus for me giving up smoking cause I’m pregnant and everything else but I’m doing it for not just because of the money.”
Midwife Hull said: "Being pregnant is sometimes the ideal time to make very positive lifestyle choices whether it’s getting your five a day or stopping smoking.
Making small changes now can be beneficial to you and ensures best start with your new baby."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: Knowing whether smoking really is as bad as some people say.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
Knowing whether smoking really is as bad as some people say.
Tina said: “I don’t think smoking has affects. I mean both of my girls have had low birth weights, but they’ve never had any infections or anything do you know what I mean? So I think sometimes the scare tactics don’t work because I mean I’m having problems with my placenta at the minute but I’ve never had a problem before and I don’t smoke as much as I used to in my previous pregnancies.
I mean I don’t think I do smoke as much as I did then, but I’m having problems with my placenta now and that can be an age thing, but it can also be a smoking thing, but it can also be something else.
I think in ways they blame smoking for a lot of things nowadays, when it’s not just that. I mean drinking in pregnancy can cause low birth weights, I mean I don’t drink so but anything can make a difference.”
Midwife Hull said: "We do know smoking can cause major problems in pregnancy.
Smoking can definitely affect the placenta which in turn restricts the blood flow through the placenta leading to problems."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Knowing whether smoking really is as bad as some people say.
Tina said: “I don’t think smoking has affects. I mean both of my girls have had low birth weights, but they’ve never had any infections or anything do you know what I mean? So I think sometimes the scare tactics don’t work because I mean I’m having problems with my placenta at the minute but I’ve never had a problem before and I don’t smoke as much as I used to in my previous pregnancies.
I mean I don’t think I do smoke as much as I did then, but I’m having problems with my placenta now and that can be an age thing, but it can also be a smoking thing, but it can also be something else.
I think in ways they blame smoking for a lot of things nowadays, when it’s not just that. I mean drinking in pregnancy can cause low birth weights, I mean I don’t drink so but anything can make a difference.”
Midwife Hull said: "We do know smoking can cause major problems in pregnancy.
Smoking can definitely affect the placenta which in turn restricts the blood flow through the placenta leading to problems."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: How different people experience different types of pressures.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
How different people experience different types of pressures.
Tina said: “It wasn’t financial with me, it was more about my hormones and you’re so up in the air when you’re pregnant anyway because you have high days and you have low days. It was them low days that I found it really difficult, nothing to do with the money or anything like that.”
Midwife Hull said: "Everyone is different which is why we tailor the service to just what you and possibly your partner needs. This might mean weekly meetings with the smoke free worker or just regular phone contact to give you that support and help you need."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
How different people experience different types of pressures.
Tina said: “It wasn’t financial with me, it was more about my hormones and you’re so up in the air when you’re pregnant anyway because you have high days and you have low days. It was them low days that I found it really difficult, nothing to do with the money or anything like that.”
Midwife Hull said: "Everyone is different which is why we tailor the service to just what you and possibly your partner needs. This might mean weekly meetings with the smoke free worker or just regular phone contact to give you that support and help you need."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: The need to clear up the guidelines on NRT in pregnancy.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
The need to clear up the guidelines on NRT in pregnancy.
Tina said: “That’s another thing that I couldn’t find when I wanted to give up smoking. Every time you went on to the internet I typed in smoking in pregnancy or giving up smoking in pregnancy, for instance every site said you shouldn’t really use anything. When you go to the smoking clinics you can actually use what you want as long as you don’t use a 24 hour patch.”
Midwife Hull said: "Nicotine replacement Therapy needs prescribing which is why I would advice you to go to the smoke free team. It is also free through this service."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
The need to clear up the guidelines on NRT in pregnancy.
Tina said: “That’s another thing that I couldn’t find when I wanted to give up smoking. Every time you went on to the internet I typed in smoking in pregnancy or giving up smoking in pregnancy, for instance every site said you shouldn’t really use anything. When you go to the smoking clinics you can actually use what you want as long as you don’t use a 24 hour patch.”
Midwife Hull said: "Nicotine replacement Therapy needs prescribing which is why I would advice you to go to the smoke free team. It is also free through this service."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: Smoking because of the stresses of having young children.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
Smoking because of the stresses of having young children.
Tina said: “I smoke most first thing in a morning. I am really bad first thing and I think its cos I’ve got a little devil for a daughter!”
Midwife Hull said: "We know smoking can be used as a way to get rid of your stress, try having 5 minutes time out, a few deep breaths of fresh air can help as it’s the deep breathing that you do when you have a cigarette that reduces that stress."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Smoking because of the stresses of having young children.
Tina said: “I smoke most first thing in a morning. I am really bad first thing and I think its cos I’ve got a little devil for a daughter!”
Midwife Hull said: "We know smoking can be used as a way to get rid of your stress, try having 5 minutes time out, a few deep breaths of fresh air can help as it’s the deep breathing that you do when you have a cigarette that reduces that stress."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: Being emotionally low when trying to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
Being emotionally low when trying to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Tina said: “I didn’t like the idea of going in a group. I had a one-to-one and I found that a lot better.
It was nearly breaking my heart, cos I was like “oh God, I’m being deprived of my cigarettes!”
Now I didn’t even think I was struggling just because of my hormones and everything I was feeling deprived anyway. I felt like I needed somebody just for me to talk to, or cry to, do you know what I mean? Just to sit and cry, but I couldn’t cry in the room because there was so many people and I would have felt a bit silly sort of sat there crying just because I’m giving up smoking.”
Midwife Hull said: "Being emotional is very normal in pregnancy lots of changes are happening to your body.
Usually the smoke free team see you one to one and they understand how you will be feeling, so having a cry on someone’s shoulder is totally normal!
Having nicotine replacement therapy can help with those strong withdrawal feelings."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Being emotionally low when trying to stop smoking during pregnancy.
Tina said: “I didn’t like the idea of going in a group. I had a one-to-one and I found that a lot better.
It was nearly breaking my heart, cos I was like “oh God, I’m being deprived of my cigarettes!”
Now I didn’t even think I was struggling just because of my hormones and everything I was feeling deprived anyway. I felt like I needed somebody just for me to talk to, or cry to, do you know what I mean? Just to sit and cry, but I couldn’t cry in the room because there was so many people and I would have felt a bit silly sort of sat there crying just because I’m giving up smoking.”
Midwife Hull said: "Being emotional is very normal in pregnancy lots of changes are happening to your body.
Usually the smoke free team see you one to one and they understand how you will be feeling, so having a cry on someone’s shoulder is totally normal!
Having nicotine replacement therapy can help with those strong withdrawal feelings."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tina: Coming to terms with the damage smoking in pregnancy can do.
Tina – 28 weeks pregnant on:
Coming to terms with the damage smoking in pregnancy can do.
Tina said: “I was cutting down before, because they didn’t know what was going on, but that I might lose my baby. It was hard because I was stressed and worse when I did lose it.”
Do you think that maybe had an effect on losing your baby?
“No I don’t think so. They do blame it on smoking and drinking, but with what happened to me I don’t blame smoking for that.”
Midwife Hull said: "Sadly smoking can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Stopping before you are pregnant is ideal but as soon as you know you are pregnant contact the smoke free team for advice or midwife."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Coming to terms with the damage smoking in pregnancy can do.
Tina said: “I was cutting down before, because they didn’t know what was going on, but that I might lose my baby. It was hard because I was stressed and worse when I did lose it.”
Do you think that maybe had an effect on losing your baby?
“No I don’t think so. They do blame it on smoking and drinking, but with what happened to me I don’t blame smoking for that.”
Midwife Hull said: "Sadly smoking can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Stopping before you are pregnant is ideal but as soon as you know you are pregnant contact the smoke free team for advice or midwife."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tracey: On the challenges of having other smokers around you.
Tracey – 36 weeks pregnant on:
On the challenges of having other smokers around you.
Tracey said: “I don’t think it make any difference to me if my bloke stopped smoking. Every time I go to my mam and dads, my dad smokes, my brother smokes and they all sit in one room. So it’s hard to get away from it then.
My sister’s doesn’t, but her bloke does so when you go round there he smokes as well.”
Midwife Hull said: "It can be difficult to stop when all around you others are smoking but even passive smoking can affect your unborn baby. Be really strong and suggest you have a smoke free house, could you try now before you have your baby?"
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
On the challenges of having other smokers around you.
Tracey said: “I don’t think it make any difference to me if my bloke stopped smoking. Every time I go to my mam and dads, my dad smokes, my brother smokes and they all sit in one room. So it’s hard to get away from it then.
My sister’s doesn’t, but her bloke does so when you go round there he smokes as well.”
Midwife Hull said: "It can be difficult to stop when all around you others are smoking but even passive smoking can affect your unborn baby. Be really strong and suggest you have a smoke free house, could you try now before you have your baby?"
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Tracey: What it means to really try to try stop smoking.
Tracey – 36 weeks pregnant on:
What it means to really try to try stop smoking.
“Are you smoking at the moment?
“Yeah”
“And have you tried to stop smoking?”
“Yeah I tried; it doesn’t bother me if I don’t have a cig but…”
“How many would you say you smoked a day?”
“About 5.”
“How many months pregnant are you?
“Hmm.. nearly eight.”
“So are you trying to stop at the moment?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah, and are you accessing help?”
“No I just do it on my own.”
“How many years would you say you’ve smoked?”
“Since I’ve been 14 and I’m 21 now so like 7 years.”
Midwife Hull said: "Stopping can be really hard for some people no one would deny this which are why we have a service to help you and your family."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
What it means to really try to try stop smoking.
“Are you smoking at the moment?
“Yeah”
“And have you tried to stop smoking?”
“Yeah I tried; it doesn’t bother me if I don’t have a cig but…”
“How many would you say you smoked a day?”
“About 5.”
“How many months pregnant are you?
“Hmm.. nearly eight.”
“So are you trying to stop at the moment?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah, and are you accessing help?”
“No I just do it on my own.”
“How many years would you say you’ve smoked?”
“Since I’ve been 14 and I’m 21 now so like 7 years.”
Midwife Hull said: "Stopping can be really hard for some people no one would deny this which are why we have a service to help you and your family."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Emily: Whether a stop smoking service really can make a difference
Emily – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Whether a stop smoking service really can make a difference
Emily said: “I don’t know how they how they actually plan on trying to help anyone quit because they it’s down to that person. It’s not down to anyone else. No one else can turn around and say right your going to quit smoking and give up like that.”
Midwife Hull said: "The smoke free team will never pressure anyone to stop without taking into consideration each individual circumstance. An action plan will be made jointly between you and your allocated member of the team and it will be on your terms.
We know you will be 4 times more likely to stop if you have that support."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Whether a stop smoking service really can make a difference
Emily said: “I don’t know how they how they actually plan on trying to help anyone quit because they it’s down to that person. It’s not down to anyone else. No one else can turn around and say right your going to quit smoking and give up like that.”
Midwife Hull said: "The smoke free team will never pressure anyone to stop without taking into consideration each individual circumstance. An action plan will be made jointly between you and your allocated member of the team and it will be on your terms.
We know you will be 4 times more likely to stop if you have that support."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Emily: Cutting down on smoking during pregnancy.
Emily – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Cutting down on smoking during pregnancy.
Emily said: “Since I got pregnant I’m smoking between five and ten a day. I’ve cut down quite a lot.
Before then it depended on how stressed I was I suppose. This last year’s been pretty bad so smoking quite a lot, think it was like anything up to twenty cigs a day
When I was pregnant first time; I went down to about three or four cigs a day, that’s what I’m trying to do now.”
Midwife Hull said: "Cutting down is good but stopping is so much better. You have done well to cut down with a bit of support perhaps you could stop?"
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Cutting down on smoking during pregnancy.
Emily said: “Since I got pregnant I’m smoking between five and ten a day. I’ve cut down quite a lot.
Before then it depended on how stressed I was I suppose. This last year’s been pretty bad so smoking quite a lot, think it was like anything up to twenty cigs a day
When I was pregnant first time; I went down to about three or four cigs a day, that’s what I’m trying to do now.”
Midwife Hull said: "Cutting down is good but stopping is so much better. You have done well to cut down with a bit of support perhaps you could stop?"
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Claire: The real likelihood of harming a baby through smoking in pregnancy.
Claire – 30 weeks pregnant on:
The real likelihood of harming a baby through smoking in pregnancy.
Claire said: “No to be honest I’m still smoking. I think it’s hard, I mean I’ve smoked for 21 years so I was ten when I started, you see so I think it’s really hard. And then people say “oh well it’s mean to the baby” but and then I feel mean. But then I think, well my kids are absolutely fine. There’s people out there that don’t do anything and they come out and there’s things wrong with their children and things. I think it’s the luck of the draw to be honest with you.”
Midwife Hull said: "There are always stories about people never smoking and having a small baby and people who do smoke having a healthy baby. It’s a risk you choose – your baby doesn’t get a choice!
If you smoke your baby will have a much greater risk of being small."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
The real likelihood of harming a baby through smoking in pregnancy.
Claire said: “No to be honest I’m still smoking. I think it’s hard, I mean I’ve smoked for 21 years so I was ten when I started, you see so I think it’s really hard. And then people say “oh well it’s mean to the baby” but and then I feel mean. But then I think, well my kids are absolutely fine. There’s people out there that don’t do anything and they come out and there’s things wrong with their children and things. I think it’s the luck of the draw to be honest with you.”
Midwife Hull said: "There are always stories about people never smoking and having a small baby and people who do smoke having a healthy baby. It’s a risk you choose – your baby doesn’t get a choice!
If you smoke your baby will have a much greater risk of being small."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: Being unsure whether NRT is safe during pregnancy.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Being unsure whether NRT is safe during pregnancy.
Kelly said: “I quit completely on my own. I didn’t use nicotine patches or anything cos I was scared the nicotine would hurt the developing brain and things like that. There wasn’t enough information for me to say having the nicotine patches is not gonna hurt your baby so I didn’t use them.
I think that’s where most people fail because I still wanted cigarettes. I craved them every day especially at first, it was really difficult.
I think that if there was more information about patches, gum, and things like that then it would be really good.”
Midwife Hull said: "Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) i.e. gum, patches or inhalers can double your chances of quitting.
They need to be prescribed by your stop smoking specialist."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Being unsure whether NRT is safe during pregnancy.
Kelly said: “I quit completely on my own. I didn’t use nicotine patches or anything cos I was scared the nicotine would hurt the developing brain and things like that. There wasn’t enough information for me to say having the nicotine patches is not gonna hurt your baby so I didn’t use them.
I think that’s where most people fail because I still wanted cigarettes. I craved them every day especially at first, it was really difficult.
I think that if there was more information about patches, gum, and things like that then it would be really good.”
Midwife Hull said: "Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) i.e. gum, patches or inhalers can double your chances of quitting.
They need to be prescribed by your stop smoking specialist."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: Stopping smoking for you and baby is really something to be proud of.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Stopping smoking for you and baby is really something to be proud of.
Kelly said: “So it’s the best start I could give him I tried, and I’ve managed to do it [stop smoking] and I’m really proud of myself. Stupid as it sounds, but I think it’s different for each woman so cos some of my friends just don’t care; they smoke all the way through their pregnancy you know they drink in front of their kids and I think it’s just how you want to set an example personally.”
Midwife Hull said: "Well done - it really is something to be proud of! Everyone is different which is why the smoke free team offer free sessions to suit people who are ready to quit. This may be one to one, with your partner or family member. Telephone contact helps or even online."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stopping smoking for you and baby is really something to be proud of.
Kelly said: “So it’s the best start I could give him I tried, and I’ve managed to do it [stop smoking] and I’m really proud of myself. Stupid as it sounds, but I think it’s different for each woman so cos some of my friends just don’t care; they smoke all the way through their pregnancy you know they drink in front of their kids and I think it’s just how you want to set an example personally.”
Midwife Hull said: "Well done - it really is something to be proud of! Everyone is different which is why the smoke free team offer free sessions to suit people who are ready to quit. This may be one to one, with your partner or family member. Telephone contact helps or even online."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: On the link between smoking in pregnancy and asthma.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
On the link between smoking in pregnancy and asthma.
Kelly said: “I quit smoking for my child yes. I’m asthmatic, most of my family are asthmatic, my grandparents were asthmatic and I really don’t like the thought of giving my children asthma.
My son doesn’t have asthma and I didn’t smoke at all during the pregnancy, so from that point of view I see that as a good thing.”
Midwife Hull said: "Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby.
Smoking massively increases the risk of asthma as does second-hand smoke if you’re thinking of quitting why not get your partner or mum to quit with you?"
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
On the link between smoking in pregnancy and asthma.
Kelly said: “I quit smoking for my child yes. I’m asthmatic, most of my family are asthmatic, my grandparents were asthmatic and I really don’t like the thought of giving my children asthma.
My son doesn’t have asthma and I didn’t smoke at all during the pregnancy, so from that point of view I see that as a good thing.”
Midwife Hull said: "Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby.
Smoking massively increases the risk of asthma as does second-hand smoke if you’re thinking of quitting why not get your partner or mum to quit with you?"
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: Shock tactics as a means of causing pregnant women to stop smoking.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Shock tactics as a means of causing pregnant women to stop smoking.
Kelly said: “The worst horror story I got was one of my friends told me about when the placenta come out. They’d been smoking all the way through the pregnancy and it had tar all over the placenta and that frightened the life out of me! I was like oh my god! So things like that; real graphic things actually frighten you into not smoking.”
Midwife Hull said: "Sounds like that really frightened you . Smoking does affect the placenta but it doesn’t have tar all over it!
By smoking it restricts the blood flow through it and all the nasty stuff in a cigarette also reaches the baby.
Having a co2 reading can be a shock as it shows you how much co2 your baby is getting. The smoke free team will ask you if you want a reading and if you want to know the reading for baby, not everyone wants to know."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Shock tactics as a means of causing pregnant women to stop smoking.
Kelly said: “The worst horror story I got was one of my friends told me about when the placenta come out. They’d been smoking all the way through the pregnancy and it had tar all over the placenta and that frightened the life out of me! I was like oh my god! So things like that; real graphic things actually frighten you into not smoking.”
Midwife Hull said: "Sounds like that really frightened you . Smoking does affect the placenta but it doesn’t have tar all over it!
By smoking it restricts the blood flow through it and all the nasty stuff in a cigarette also reaches the baby.
Having a co2 reading can be a shock as it shows you how much co2 your baby is getting. The smoke free team will ask you if you want a reading and if you want to know the reading for baby, not everyone wants to know."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: Is there a danger that stopping smoking can harm you and baby?
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Is there a danger that stopping smoking can harm you and baby?
Kelly said: “When I first got pregnant with my first child I panicked because I was a heavy smoker and I didn’t think I could quit just straight away. So I looked up on the (web)sites and like obviously I don’t really know how true this is, but a lot of them say it can cause a lot of stress for both you and the baby, so they recommend to cut down but not completely stop. You’d of just thought ‘god I’m gonna kill my child’ and you stop completely and you cause more damage than harm especially if you’re a heavy smoker.”
Midwife Hull said: "There is no evidence that says stopping can harm your baby... We would recommend stopping is much better for you and baby rather than cutting down."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Is there a danger that stopping smoking can harm you and baby?
Kelly said: “When I first got pregnant with my first child I panicked because I was a heavy smoker and I didn’t think I could quit just straight away. So I looked up on the (web)sites and like obviously I don’t really know how true this is, but a lot of them say it can cause a lot of stress for both you and the baby, so they recommend to cut down but not completely stop. You’d of just thought ‘god I’m gonna kill my child’ and you stop completely and you cause more damage than harm especially if you’re a heavy smoker.”
Midwife Hull said: "There is no evidence that says stopping can harm your baby... We would recommend stopping is much better for you and baby rather than cutting down."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: How Midwife Hull can be a helpful source of information and support.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
How Midwife Hull can be a helpful source of information and support.
Kelly said: “Well it’s less embarrassing to ask questions online isn’t it really? It’s easier; it’s a hell of a lot easier than having to look it up yourself or you know if there’s someone there that can say; you know this is how it goes you can take their advice.
You don’t have someone pushing you around like, if you go to your parents well d’ya know is this right? Then you’re more likely to go with their view and half the time you just get pushed into it. So it’s easier if there’s official advice out there that you can go to and ask.”
Midwife Hull said: "Hull Midwife is a real midwife who can give you clear unbiased advice which is up to date. You can find that family members want to give you advice but it might be 10 years old!
Posting questions online is safe and no-one will think you’re daft in fact you might be asking questions lots of other people want to ask but were too embarrassed."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
How Midwife Hull can be a helpful source of information and support.
Kelly said: “Well it’s less embarrassing to ask questions online isn’t it really? It’s easier; it’s a hell of a lot easier than having to look it up yourself or you know if there’s someone there that can say; you know this is how it goes you can take their advice.
You don’t have someone pushing you around like, if you go to your parents well d’ya know is this right? Then you’re more likely to go with their view and half the time you just get pushed into it. So it’s easier if there’s official advice out there that you can go to and ask.”
Midwife Hull said: "Hull Midwife is a real midwife who can give you clear unbiased advice which is up to date. You can find that family members want to give you advice but it might be 10 years old!
Posting questions online is safe and no-one will think you’re daft in fact you might be asking questions lots of other people want to ask but were too embarrassed."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: How shocking truths about smoking in pregnancy can have a big effect.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
How shocking truths about smoking in pregnancy can have a big effect.
Kelly said: “Like my friend was smoking while she was pregnant and I think it was a leaflet or somet’ she had just randomly posted through her door. I can’t remember what it said but it put her right off and she stopped. Before that she was a really heavy smoker.”
Midwife Hull said: "Sometimes shock tactics can work but we try to provide hard facts rather than scaring people. We know that if you smoke babies tiny heart has to beat much harder and faster due to the reduced oxygen it is receiving. For some people this can be a scary fact for others it might be acceptable."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
How shocking truths about smoking in pregnancy can have a big effect.
Kelly said: “Like my friend was smoking while she was pregnant and I think it was a leaflet or somet’ she had just randomly posted through her door. I can’t remember what it said but it put her right off and she stopped. Before that she was a really heavy smoker.”
Midwife Hull said: "Sometimes shock tactics can work but we try to provide hard facts rather than scaring people. We know that if you smoke babies tiny heart has to beat much harder and faster due to the reduced oxygen it is receiving. For some people this can be a scary fact for others it might be acceptable."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: Stopping smoking during pregnancy and staying stopped after baby is born.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Stopping smoking during pregnancy and staying stopped after baby is born.
Kelly said: “Like most people, if you’re on 100 a week you’re addicted and I’m lucky really.
Maybe I’ve just got will power or whatever, but I just stopped like that. But then I find it hard to keep off it once I’ve had the baby, because its like when I’m pregnant its like ‘oh well I don’t want to hurt the baby’ and I wouldn’t smoke in my house around my child cause I don’t want him to see me smoking cause then he’ll think its right. Erm, so I’ll go outside if I really want one but it does become rarer.”
Midwife Hull said: "Staying stopped after you’ve had your baby can sometimes be harder than when you are pregnant. Feeling tired and stressed is usually the time you would reach for the cigarettes. Try going outside for a bit of fresh air or calling someone when you feel stressed. Putting baby in the pram and walk round the block or pop baby in their cot and have 5 minutes time out.
The smoke free family’s advisers can offer a personalised plan which will give you ideas to cope better and help to tide you over the hard parts.
You should be feeling fitter and more healthier since stopping this will really help you when looking after your new baby imagine getting a chest infection and having to get up to your new baby.!
As new parents you are your children’s role models, not smoking is one of the best ways to be good model."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stopping smoking during pregnancy and staying stopped after baby is born.
Kelly said: “Like most people, if you’re on 100 a week you’re addicted and I’m lucky really.
Maybe I’ve just got will power or whatever, but I just stopped like that. But then I find it hard to keep off it once I’ve had the baby, because its like when I’m pregnant its like ‘oh well I don’t want to hurt the baby’ and I wouldn’t smoke in my house around my child cause I don’t want him to see me smoking cause then he’ll think its right. Erm, so I’ll go outside if I really want one but it does become rarer.”
Midwife Hull said: "Staying stopped after you’ve had your baby can sometimes be harder than when you are pregnant. Feeling tired and stressed is usually the time you would reach for the cigarettes. Try going outside for a bit of fresh air or calling someone when you feel stressed. Putting baby in the pram and walk round the block or pop baby in their cot and have 5 minutes time out.
The smoke free family’s advisers can offer a personalised plan which will give you ideas to cope better and help to tide you over the hard parts.
You should be feeling fitter and more healthier since stopping this will really help you when looking after your new baby imagine getting a chest infection and having to get up to your new baby.!
As new parents you are your children’s role models, not smoking is one of the best ways to be good model."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Kelly: How Becoming Pregnant Made Her More Aware Of Smokers Around Her.
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
How becoming pregnant made her more aware of smokers around her.
Kelly said: “I found out I was pregnant at New Year’s so I stopped completely. I was like awww, no, yeah, I was like damn it! But no, I just don’t think you should smoke around kids.. it depends... each to there own.
But like I when I went to my granddad’s the smoke was like marijuana clouds. Like 15 people, all my aunties and everything smoked. It was awful so I just don’t, I wouldn’t want that around my own kids.”
Midwife Hull said: "It can be very difficult when lots of your mates and family smoke to avoid this, But second-hand smoke is dangerous, you are still breathing in the toxic smoke which restricts your babies oxygen supply, making their little heart beat harder..
Asking friends and family to go outside for a cigarette when they visit you and washing hands afterwards is a good habit to get into."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
How becoming pregnant made her more aware of smokers around her.
Kelly said: “I found out I was pregnant at New Year’s so I stopped completely. I was like awww, no, yeah, I was like damn it! But no, I just don’t think you should smoke around kids.. it depends... each to there own.
But like I when I went to my granddad’s the smoke was like marijuana clouds. Like 15 people, all my aunties and everything smoked. It was awful so I just don’t, I wouldn’t want that around my own kids.”
Midwife Hull said: "It can be very difficult when lots of your mates and family smoke to avoid this, But second-hand smoke is dangerous, you are still breathing in the toxic smoke which restricts your babies oxygen supply, making their little heart beat harder..
Asking friends and family to go outside for a cigarette when they visit you and washing hands afterwards is a good habit to get into."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Friday 2 July 2010
Kelly: Stopping Smoking When Pregnant and Banning Smoking in Her Home
Kelly – 21 weeks pregnant on:
Stopping smoking when pregnant and banning smoking in her home.
Kelly: “Like, with my first son I stopped smoking. I was a real heavy smoker, like it was 100 a week. Yeah, and I stopped cold turkey when I got pregnant… and then I started again but not as bad; just one every now and again cause I don’t like to smoke... I don’t think you should smoke around your kids, and I don’t have people smoke in my house. So I just go outside, so it kind of stopped me smoking, and then obviously now I’m pregnant again I don’t smoke at all.”
Midwife Hull replied: "Well done Kelly you sound very determined to stop and you did it the hard way – alone!
I would recommend quitting with help from the smoke free team. We know you are 4 times more likely to stop with help than on your own. They can give face to face advice not only to you but to family members as well at a venue and time to suit you. They can also give advice on nicotine replacement treatments. Why don’t you give them a ring? 0800 915 59 59 or text QUIT to 81800."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Stopping smoking when pregnant and banning smoking in her home.
Kelly: “Like, with my first son I stopped smoking. I was a real heavy smoker, like it was 100 a week. Yeah, and I stopped cold turkey when I got pregnant… and then I started again but not as bad; just one every now and again cause I don’t like to smoke... I don’t think you should smoke around your kids, and I don’t have people smoke in my house. So I just go outside, so it kind of stopped me smoking, and then obviously now I’m pregnant again I don’t smoke at all.”
Midwife Hull replied: "Well done Kelly you sound very determined to stop and you did it the hard way – alone!
I would recommend quitting with help from the smoke free team. We know you are 4 times more likely to stop with help than on your own. They can give face to face advice not only to you but to family members as well at a venue and time to suit you. They can also give advice on nicotine replacement treatments. Why don’t you give them a ring? 0800 915 59 59 or text QUIT to 81800."
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
Thursday 14 January 2010
Looking after a newborn
Here is an article taken from the NHS Choices websiten with information on how to look after a newborn.
It’s natural to feel nervous about looking after your newborn baby, but support is available.
Midwives and health visitors are there to help you with your new baby. Talk to them about any concerns that you have, and make sure that you know the basics in order to get started.
Baby essentials
You'll need the following basics:
* clothes (vests, sleepsuits, cardigans),
* nappies (if using reusable nappies, you’ll need sterilising solution and buckets),
* nappy rash cream,
* cottonwool (choose white),
* baby lotion or wipes,
* changing mat,
* cot (a Moses basket is fine for the first few months, and is easy to carry from room to room),
* cot sheets and cot blankets, and
* a pram or buggy suitable for a newborn.
For breastfeeding
* Breast pads,
* easy-access tops and nighties (front-opening or roomy T-shirts that lift up),
* nursing bras (at least two),
* bibs, and
* muslin squares.
For bottlefeeding
* Steriliser,
* four bottles and teats,
* bottle brush, and
* newborn formula feed.
To read the full article and to read about clothes, bottles and bathtime please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Caringforanewborn.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
It’s natural to feel nervous about looking after your newborn baby, but support is available.
Midwives and health visitors are there to help you with your new baby. Talk to them about any concerns that you have, and make sure that you know the basics in order to get started.
Baby essentials
You'll need the following basics:
* clothes (vests, sleepsuits, cardigans),
* nappies (if using reusable nappies, you’ll need sterilising solution and buckets),
* nappy rash cream,
* cottonwool (choose white),
* baby lotion or wipes,
* changing mat,
* cot (a Moses basket is fine for the first few months, and is easy to carry from room to room),
* cot sheets and cot blankets, and
* a pram or buggy suitable for a newborn.
For breastfeeding
* Breast pads,
* easy-access tops and nighties (front-opening or roomy T-shirts that lift up),
* nursing bras (at least two),
* bibs, and
* muslin squares.
For bottlefeeding
* Steriliser,
* four bottles and teats,
* bottle brush, and
* newborn formula feed.
To read the full article and to read about clothes, bottles and bathtime please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Caringforanewborn.aspx
You can contact Midwife Hull confidentially on facebook at http://tiny.cc/farhl
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