Quitting smoking

Quitting Methods During Pregnancy

Chose an approach that will work for you.

Cold Turkey
For many people going cold turkey is the most successful way of quitting. Going cold turkey means stopping suddenly and completely without cutting down.

Quitline / Counselling
Phone the Quitline for a free Quit Kit or to speak to a trained counsellor on 131 848 or 1800 198 024 (toll free for country callers).

Quitting Information
Call HealthInfo at the Department of Health on 1300 135 030.

Ask your midwife, antenatal educator or GP for advice.

Support groups
There are a number of support groups available for people trying to quit smoking.

Fresh Start Course
The Cancer Foundation of Western Australia’s Fresh Start course is a comprehensive short course which provides information, resources and support to smokers wanting to quit and stay stopped.

The course covers issues such as nicotine addiction, managing withdrawal symptoms, weight control, stress management, recognising and planning for possible obstacles to quitting, staying stopped and enjoying being a non-smoker. For more information phone the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.

Psychologists- Clinical and Counselling Psychologists.
Psychologists working in this area use a wide range of techniques. Some work with individuals and some run focus groups. For more information, please contact the Australian Psychological Society on 1800 333 497 (toll free).

Community Drug Service Teams
Community Drug Service Teams based throughout Western Australia that sometimes offer free Quit Support Groups. To find your local Community Drug Service Team contact the Quitline on 131 848.

Herbal
Herbal remedies are not usually recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women. If you are considering using a herbal remedy always consult with your doctor and pharmacist before taking any products.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy
(Gum, Patches, Inhalers)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy is not usually recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women. If you are considering using drug therapy you should always consult with your doctor and pharmacist before taking these products.

Ideally smoking cessation during pregnancy should be achieved without NRT. For women unable to quit on their own, NRT may be recommended. The benefits of quitting smoking are likely to outweigh the risks from using NRT or continuing to smoke. NRT is less harmful than smoking during pregnancy, as the pregnant woman and the baby receive less nicotine and no exposure to carbon monoxide and other toxic substances. Intermittent dosing products (i.e. gum, sublingual tablet, lozenges, and inhalers) should be used as these usually provide a lower daily dose of nicotine than patches.

Nicotine from smoking and NRT is found in breast milk. Nicotine passes freely into breast milk, just as it easily crosses the placenta during pregnancy. It is preferable to avoid exposing an infant to any potentially harmful substance. However, the overall dose of nicotine obtained from using NRT is substantially lower than that obtained by smoking. When using NRT there is no contamination of breast milk with other components of tobacco smoke such as, carbon monoxide and the 4,000 or more other dangerous chemicals. Self-administered nicotine replacement products that provide intermittent nicotine, such as the gum, lozenge, sublingual tablet (microtab) or inhaler are preferable to the constant delivery of nicotine as provided by the patch. The use of the NRT can then be timed to minimise the level of nicotine in the milk when breastfeeding by using it immediately after a feed to extend the time between using the NRT and the baby’s next feed

Other pharmacological Aids

Zyban (Buproprion Hydrochloride)
Zyban has the active ingredient buproprion hydrochloride and has to be prescribed by a doctor. Zyban is not usually recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women.

Champix
Champix is another quit smoking medication and has to be prescribed by a doctor. Champix is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women.

Alternative Methods
While there is often interest in acupuncture, hypnotherapy, herbal and homeopathic preparations there is insufficient evidence on their effectiveness of these as quitting methods. Alternative methods are not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women. If you are considering using an alternative method you should always consult your doctor before taking these products.

Coping with withdrawal symptoms
It is important to have strategies ready for when you experience cravings, such as the 4D’s

Delay: For a few minutes and the urge will pass
Drink water: Sip it slowly
Deep breathe: Take three slow, deep breaths
Do something else: To take your mind off smoking.