Gina Weber, 36, from Hull, quit smoking with support from her local service after finding out she was pregnant with her first child. Having tried to quit several times on her own in the past, Gina says the support she received made all the difference and helped her become smokefree for good.

Gina said: “I started smoking when I was about 16. Before I knew it, I’d been smoking for years.

“I tried to quit a few times because of my health and to save money, but I always ended up smoking again in social situations. Quitting without support is really difficult, and you have to be in the right mindset to do it.”

Gina welcomed her first child, a baby boy, in December. She decided to quit smoking as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

“When I discovered I was pregnant, I knew I had to stop smoking. I’d already been trying to cut down and was sometimes using a vape instead of cigarettes, but quitting completely was still really hard.

“My local stop smoking service got in touch and asked if I’d like some support. I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. The team was friendly, encouraging, and never made me feel judged.

“Now I’m completely smokefree and I’ve finally quit for good. I’m over the moon that I’ve given my baby the best possible start in life, and it’s great knowing he’s growing up in a smokefree home.”

Gina also supports the Tobacco and Vapes Act and believes it could help prevent future generations from becoming addicted to smoking.

“If these measures had been in place when I was younger, I don’t think I would ever have started smoking. Many young people begin because their friends are experimenting, but if cigarettes can’t be legally sold to an entire generation, it could stop people from ever becoming addicted in the first place.”

Her message to other mums-to-be is simple:

“There’s nothing more reassuring than knowing you’re doing everything you can to protect your baby, and quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for them.

“I know how difficult it can be to stop smoking during pregnancy, especially when you haven’t met your baby yet. But once they’re here, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll never regret giving your child a healthy start in life.”