Limerick mother triumphs over long-term smoking habit
Claire Crawford, a Limerick mother of four, has been smoke-free for nearly 18 months thanks to tailored support from the HSE Mid West QUIT service. Her journey highlights the vital role of personalised care in helping pregnant women quit smoking and improve family health.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
Claire Crawford, a 29-year-old mother from Rhebogue, Limerick, has successfully overcome a nicotine addiction that began in her teens, marking almost 18 months as a non-smoker. Referred to the HSE Mid West QUIT service during her fourth pregnancy at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL), Claire credits the programme’s consistent support and expert guidance for her sustained success.
With the help of Niamh Keating, a Stop Smoking Advisor with QUIT Mid West, Claire immediately ceased smoking and became entirely nicotine-free within 20 weeks. She emphasises the importance of weekly check-ins and practical advice in managing cravings and remaining motivated. Claire recalls, "Niamh was approachable, understanding and realistic. She helped me identify my triggers and gave me strategies to deal with cravings. Knowing I’d be speaking with her every week motivated me to keep going."
Smoking cessation among pregnant women remains a priority under the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme. UMHL's antenatal services, which support around 5,000 women annually, have integrated specialised stop-smoking training and referrals to QUIT services. Eileen Ronan, UMHL’s Director of Midwifery, praises the Making Every Moment Count training for empowering staff to assist women like Claire. Mary McMahon, Tobacco Lead at HSE Mid West, highlights the free availability of personalised quit plans and nicotine replacement therapy, which have proven life-changing for many. Claire’s story not only reflects improved health and financial savings but also the joy of raising children in a smoke-free home.
With the help of Niamh Keating, a Stop Smoking Advisor with QUIT Mid West, Claire immediately ceased smoking and became entirely nicotine-free within 20 weeks. She emphasises the importance of weekly check-ins and practical advice in managing cravings and remaining motivated. Claire recalls, "Niamh was approachable, understanding and realistic. She helped me identify my triggers and gave me strategies to deal with cravings. Knowing I’d be speaking with her every week motivated me to keep going."
Smoking cessation among pregnant women remains a priority under the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme. UMHL's antenatal services, which support around 5,000 women annually, have integrated specialised stop-smoking training and referrals to QUIT services. Eileen Ronan, UMHL’s Director of Midwifery, praises the Making Every Moment Count training for empowering staff to assist women like Claire. Mary McMahon, Tobacco Lead at HSE Mid West, highlights the free availability of personalised quit plans and nicotine replacement therapy, which have proven life-changing for many. Claire’s story not only reflects improved health and financial savings but also the joy of raising children in a smoke-free home.
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