My Little Baby: Mums to be across the North West are being encouraged to quit smoking in a new ad campaign launched this week
Mums to be across the North West are being encouraged to quit smoking in a new ad campaign launched this week.
The ‘My Little Baby’ campaign highlights the dangers of smoking in pregnancy and offers a new text service and helpline number. One in five women in the North West currently smoke while pregnant- a hazard which increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, still birth and cot death. Every cigarette increases the risks during pregnancy and stopping smoking at any time can instantly make a difference.
Andrea Crossfield, Smokefree North West Director said: “We want to reach out to pregnant women and reassure them that help is available to quit and they are more likely to succeed with support. We urge them to get touch by texting 84025 with their name and postcode or call our helpline free on 0800 0288 316 or seek advice from your midwife who will be able to provide you advice and support.
“The advertisement will run on hundreds of screens in hospitals and clinics across the region from the 22nd February – 21st March”.
The campaign has been organised by Smokefree North West, a partnership of the NHS organisations committed to protecting children and young people across the region from tobacco harm and supporting smokers to quit.
Andrea Crossfield adds: “Our priority is to reduce smoking in pregnancy in the North West from 23% to 15% by 2010. An estimated 40% of all infant deaths are attributed to smoking and it’s an important issue that we need to address. It is vital pregnant women have the support they need to stop smoking for good.”
My Little Baby: Smokefree North West is hopeful the screening of the ad will have a dramatic effect on the number of women currently smoking during their pregnancy
“Over the past two years we’ve been working really hard to support pregnant women to help them give up smoking. Through the support of our local stop smoking services who offer support and guidance to anyone wanting to quit. We are hopeful the screening of the ad will encourage pregnant women to stop smoking as they become aware of the dangers to themselves and their unborn babies.”
Former Emmerdale star Glenda McKay who played Rachel Tate is the voice behind the “My Little Baby” ad and is keen to support the campaign. Smokefree North West is hopeful the screening of the ad will have a dramatic effect on the number of women currently smoking during their pregnancy.
Giving up smoking during pregnancy can be a daunting and stressful task. If you would like further information or advice about quitting please contact your local Stop Smoking Service via 0800 169 0169 or contact the national Smoking in Pregnancy helpline on 0800 169 9169 for a free Smokefree Pregnancy DVD.
