Success Stories

Barbara Dore

It was when I went for my first scan in January, at Homerton Hospital, that I was asked if I wanted to quit smoking. I’ve actually always wanted to quit – and have tried cold turkey – but was never successful before now.

The first thing that happened was that I had an appointment with Carolyn Bovelle, who is the Specialist Midwife at Homerton, and helps pregnant women quit smoking. Carolyn was great from the start because she gave me all of the facts about what smoking was doing to my baby. I had no idea, and felt really sick when my first CO (carbon monoxide) reading was a 24.

Together, Carolyn and I decided that the inhaler was best for me because I needed to have something in my hand to replace having a cigarette in it. I also tried the patch, but it didn’t agree with me, probably because I was already feeling a bit queasy from being pregnant.

Carolyn checks in with me once a week to see how I’m getting on, and to encourage me. I also always make a point of visiting her when I have my hospital appointments. My family and friends have been great support, but also having a neutral person outside of my close circle has really helped to motivate me.

I haven’t had a cigarette for 2 months, and I really notice the difference in my health and myself. I’m full of energy and don’t find it difficult to get up the stairs; and I don’t smell like an ashtray anymore!  My CO readings are down to a 1 or 2, and even though, I haven’t touched a cigarette, I still get a bit nervous when the reading is done because I never want to see that number 24 again!

My boyfriend is over the moon, and I am really proud of myself. I was always disappointed in myself that I couldn’t quit before, but now, I’ve done it!  This is my fourth child, due in July, and it honestly feels like it’s going to be bigger – maybe because I’ve quit. I couldn’t have done it without Carolyn, though.