Leanne, 36, from Minehead, had been a smoker for most of her adult life. Smoking was something she drifted in and out of, but it was always there in the background. It felt normal. It felt familiar. It felt hard to imagine life without it. Everything changed when Leanne found out she was pregnant.
At her first routine midwife appointment, she was asked if she smoked. Saying “yes” out loud made it real. When the midwife asked if she wanted to quit, Leanne did not hesitate.
Of course I did, she says. I wanted to stop smoking for my child, and for myself.
She was referred to Smokefree Somerset, although at the time she did not really know what to expect. Like many people, Leanne felt nervous. She did not know if it would work. She wondered whether she would really be able to quit.
I remember thinking that if I could just stop for the nine months, maybe that would be enough, she says. I even thought I might go back to smoking after the baby was born.
Leanne started her quit journey during pregnancy, supported by the Smokefree Somerset team. Her stop smoking advisor came to her home, listened without judgement, and helped her focus on why quitting mattered to her. That personal support made a big difference.
Quitting was not easy. Smoking had been part of Leanne’s life for years, and temptation was everywhere.
My partner smoked. My friends smoked. People at work smoked, she explains. That was one of the hardest parts, especially at the start.
When things felt tough, Leanne kept coming back to her reason. She reminded herself that she was doing this for her child. She was also doing it for herself, for her health, and for her future.
I had to keep that in my mind constantly, she says. I didn’t want to let my child down, and I didn’t want to let myself down either.
Regular check‑ins, home visits, and carbon monoxide tests helped Leanne stay focused. She knew someone was there to support her, to encourage her, and to celebrate every step forward. The Love2Shop vouchers she received for smoke free readings became another motivator. Leanne saved them up and used them to buy baby items.
That felt really special, she says. It was a reward, but it was also practical. It made everything feel worth it.
The support also helped in moments of temptation.
It stopped me having that ‘sneaky cigarette’, Leanne admits. I knew someone was coming to see me, and I didn’t want to undo all the hard work I’d done.
Since quitting, Leanne has seen huge changes in her health and her confidence. She has also challenged a common fear that many smokers have, the belief that you cannot quit smoking and lose weight at the same time. Leanne has done both.
It wasn’t easy, she says honestly. Smoking is an addiction. Losing weight is hard too. I’m not pretending it was simple, but with support and determination, it was possible.
Today, Leanne has been smoke free for 17 months. She feels proud, stronger, and clear that she will not go back.
Her message to anyone thinking about quitting is simple and heartfelt.
If you are even considering quitting, reach out, she says. There is no shame in needing help. The support is there to help you succeed, and it really does work.
Leanne’s “why” was her child, but her journey has given her far more than she expected. A smoke free life. Better health. And a future she feels hopeful about.
Watch the full video below of Leanne sharing his Smokefree journey:
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If you or someone you know, has been thinking about stopping smoking, our free Smokefree Somerset service are here to help you find the best solution to quit for good. Please visit our contact us page for details about how to get in touch.
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