A woman writes in asking for advice about how to quit smoking. This woman is about to become a first-time mom at the age of 32, but she’s been smoking since she was 16. Though her desire to smoke initially waned when she learned she was pregnant, her cravings are now growing strong ahead of her due date.
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A member of the community asks:
“How can I kick my smoking addiction?
I have been a smoker since I was 16-years-old. I am 32 now, and I am about to have my first child. When I found out that I was pregnant, I quit cold turkey and didn’t even give it a second thought because of my child. But now that I am set to give birth soon, all I can think about is when I will be able to smoke again. I thought this would be easy because it has been eight months since I have even craved a cigarette, but the cravings have been coming back knowing that I can soon smoke again…how did yall kick this? I don’t want to smoke again but feel like I need too! Help!”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Wants Advice on How to Quit Smoking
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below.
“Get mints, gum, brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash when you feel the urge. Some people taste the cigarette even when not smoking. Quitting smoking is the hardest addiction to quit. If your feeling stressed, you want that cigarette. Do your best to identify stressors and work through them. If you’re not working, find a hobby to keep your hands busy.”
“Gum, hard candy, mints. Anything to keep your mouth occupied will help. Or try a vape / Juul. Something where the smoke isn’t as toxic.”
“Do it for your kid. My dad was a verrrrry heavy smoker and an inside smoker at that. It killed my lungs. I grew up with teachers thinking I smoked because of how bad I smelled of it. I watched my dad die a slow, awful, painful death as a smoker of 50 years. He couldn’t get out of bed, hooked to oxygen 24/7.”
“I smoked 18 years and was able to quit cold turkey during my pregnancy both times the day I found out!! You can do it :). Good luck. I thought of if there was issues with my baby could I have dealt with the guilt of wondering if it was my fault. Worked for me.”
“It was the same for me, quit the day I found out and never really “craved” a cig through my pregnancy. Towards the end though, not gonna lie, I had a couple here and there. Once I had my son, I breastfed and didn’t really crave them anymore. BUT right when I quit breastfeeding I started right back up. Recently had back surgery and had to quit again. Chantix worked great, but again, soon after surgery, I was back to smoking. It’s all about the mindset. You’ll do it when you really wanna.”
“Look up safe sleep information on a DCF website. 2nd hand smoke has been proven to be a leading cause of SIDS.”
“Just don’t pick it back up! I have been smoke-free for 4 years now and I still crave one at least 1-2 times a week. I just tell myself “No, you can want it but you’ve come this far and you will not be that person”! I refuse to be the mom that sends her kids to school reeking of smoke! The physical part is done, now you just have to keep your mental cravings under control.”
Do you have any advice for this mom? Leave a comment to help another mom out!
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