ANY new mother will know how much it changes your life for the better, but for Charlotte Flanagan, it changed things in more ways than one.

For after discovering in February she was expecting, Charlotte, 40, also gave up her 25-year smoking habit.

The facilities co-ordinator, who lives in Liden, gave birth to daughter Amy five weeks ago and said the pregnancy was the reason she needed to kick the habit.

“I was totally addicted and had been smoking for so many years I definitely needed a big wake-up call,” she said.

“Falling pregnant gave me just that, in a nice way, and I knew I had to stop.

“Giving up had to be my decision, and although it was tough at first, things got better, and considering I had been smoking since I was a teenager, it was easier than I thought. Having a new baby has certainly helped take my mind off it and I haven’t been getting any cravings.”

Smoking in pregnancy can cause serious health problems for mother and baby, such as placenta complications, premature birth and low birth weight.

Quitting means mothers-to-be will have less morning sickness and fewer complications in pregnancy, and can reduce the risk of stillbirth and cot death.

After becoming pregnant Charlotte started using nicotine patches and was also supported by Swindon’s specialist smoking cessation midwife Annabel Cooper.

“She was really friendly and helpful, but also gave you the facts so you knew exactly what smoking would do to your baby,” she said.

“I was addicted to the nicotine more than anything; it wasn’t about the habit or having something in my hands. I’ve definitely got them full now with Amy, so I scarcely give it a thought.”

After giving up, Charlotte, who no longer uses patches, now saves £100 a month which she puts towards caring for her newborn.

She said: “I started a baby fund after my first scan and there’s still always something new to get. Now I’m on maternity pay I simply wouldn’t be able to afford smoking without making Amy go without, which is out of the question.”

Husband John, 50, who works at Honda, is very proud of Charlotte’s efforts: “I’m so pleased she has managed to stop.

“It’s great that we’re officially a smoke-free family. We’re all loads better off without it – health and money-wise.”

  • For more information about giving up smoking call 0800 3892229 or 01793 465513, text 07881 281797 or email besmokefree@seqol.org.