Jodie Griffin, 29, from Hull, quit smoking with the support of her local stop smoking service after discovering she was pregnant with her first child.

After being told she might never have a child naturally because of PCOS and endometriosis, two conditions that affect the female reproductive system, Jodie was determined to do everything she could to give her baby the healthiest possible start.

Jodie said: “I started smoking when I was about 18. It was a social thing – I’d have a few cigarettes on a night out, and gradually that became more and more. I’d buy one packet thinking it would last a week, but then it spiralled, and I was smoking around 15 cigarettes a day.

“I quit for a while when I first met my partner, but after we went on holiday, I started smoking again. As soon as I saw a positive pregnancy test with my miracle baby, I stopped drinking and smoking. I knew I had to do everything I could to keep my baby safe.

“I used patches to manage my cravings. I started with 20mg but within a couple of weeks I was decreasing the strength. I don’t need to use anything to support me now.”

Jodie welcomed her son, Vincent, 16 weeks ago and is now looking forward to marrying her partner in just three weeks.

She said: “I feel so much happier and healthier since I quit smoking. It’s made a huge difference to my health – I just feel better in myself. It’s also the little things you notice, like not smelling of cigarettes anymore.

“I’ve also saved so much money, which I’ve been putting towards the wedding and Vincent. Since the day I quit, I’ve been putting £30 a week aside. It’s helping us pay for our dream honeymoon – a few nights in Miami followed by a Caribbean cruise in December.”

Jodie’s message to other mums is simple:

“People don’t realise how much support is available. The advisors are amazing and are only ever a message away. If I ever had a craving or a wobble, my advisor would help me through it.

“They genuinely just want to help, and there’s no pressure or judgement. Do a bit of research, find out what support might work best for you, and give it a try. It could make all the difference.”