Often this can include wanting to stop smoking. The sooner the mother stops, the better for her own health, and that of her baby. Counsellors give callers information about the service, establish an on-going relationship, and agree a smoking cessation programme tailored directly to the needs of each individual. Contact between the counsellors and client may be more or less frequent depending on the level of support needed in each case. 40 percent of clients are aged between 16 and 24, with half being referred by their GP or midwife.
Evaluation is under way, but initial results are encouraging.
These contacts are ideal opportunities to offer support and practical advice on giving up smoking. Women need specific and continuing support following the birth of their child. Health professionals can help by encouraging new mothers in their efforts to continue not smoking. For example, advice on breast feeding could include awareness that if the mother smokes, some nicotine will pass into the baby's bloodstream. Advice on how to reduce the risks of cot death could also include support with smoking cessation.