top of page

Support to Stop Smoking

STAAR Team logo showing the outline of a woman against an orange star surrounded by an orange border

Good things happen when you stop smoking

STAAR Team

If you're pregnant, currently smoking, and receiving care through United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, you’ll be offered support from the STAAR Team.

The STAAR Team is a friendly, non-judgemental service dedicated to helping you become smoke-free. They provide:

  • Weekly one-to-one support throughout your pregnancy

  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

  • Vapes and e-liquids

Their goal is to support you every step of the way in creating a healthier future for you and your baby.

A photograph showing 6 members of the STAAR team

The STAAR team

The STAAR Team are part of United Lincolnshire Teach Hospitals NHS Trust.  If you receive your care with a different Trust, speak with your midwife about a referral to their Maternity Tobacco Dependency Service to find out more about the support they can offer you.

STAAR Team Tobacco Dependency Advisors understand how hard it is to stop but are there to support you along the way.

Why quit?

Stopping smoking benefits you and your baby as soon as you stop.  Quitting will reduce the risk of:

Stillbirth

Complications during pregnancy and birth

Your baby being born too soon

Your baby being born with a low birth weight

SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

This short clip explains more about the benefits of quitting smoking

Quitting will mean your child is less likely to develop asthma and other serious illnesses that may need hospital treatment

You can do this - and they did!

Many women have successfully quit smoking during pregnancy with support from the STAAR Team.  Some have been kind enough to share what the journey to a smoke-free life has meant to them, and how the STAAR Team helped them along the way. Their stories and comments are here to encourage and inspire others who may be thinking about making the same positive change.

Super couple Sarah and Phil quit together!  Sarah said;

 

"Steph has been absolutely amazing and I would not have been able to do this without her support... I feel so much better, my breathing is better, taste in food is better and generally healthier..."

Picture2.png

Reach out today and take that first step toward a healthier future for you and your baby.

"Thank you to Chris for working with me to stop smoking. I am pleased to say I am smoke free for me and my baby with the lovely help and support with Chris"

STAAR Team- Chris.jpg

"After 16 + years of smoking, and on my 3rd pregnancy, I was finally able to quit with Lauren J's help and support. I couldn't have done it without her and will recommend the program for anyone who wants to quit. Lauren's help and support was excellent and she went above and beyond, even visiting me in hospital, the vouchers are a nice incentive. Thank you so much Lauren!"

                                               - Kimberley

STAAR Team- Lauren J.jpg

"I didn’t think STAAR would be able to support me to quit smoking but after discussing my options with Gemma and a personalised programme using the Swap to Stop scheme, I have been able to successful quit smoking.

I feel like we have a good relationship and she always ensures I have enough E-Liquids to support my journey."

                                                     - Melisa

Picture1.png

"Swap to Stop has helped me in order to remain off cigarettes and the incentive scheme is encouraging to me because I think I will remain that way post-partum.

After being explained about the risks to the baby initially it was easy to mentally remain in the headspace whenever tempted.

Lauren explained all the help available to me and how easy it is to access support from her and the team"

                                                       - Hannah

STAAR Team- Lauren C.jpg

Did you know if you make it to 28 days smoke-free, you are 5 times more likely to quit for good!

Support to quit if you are not pregnant

Whether you're planning a pregnancy, have recently had a baby, or you're a partner or family member of someone who is pregnant and you'll like to support their quit by quitting too - there is support available to help you.

One You Lincolnshire offer a free 12-week stop smoking programme which means you'll be 4 times more likely to quit

The free NHS Quit Smoking app is designed to provide you with personalised support to help you quit for good.

The National Smokefree helpline offers free help, support and advice.

Find out more about using e-cigarettes to help you quit smoking.

Harmful gases, such as cardon monoxide, and other damaging chemicals will clear from your body when you quit.

This website is by the Lincolnshire NHS Maternity & Neonatal Programme Team in partnership with the Lincolnshire Maternity & Neonatal System, including;

Lincolnshire Maternity and Neonatal voices logo
ULTH.png
Start for life logo
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

© 2025 Better Births. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page