HSE Mid West QUIT helped Limerick mum stop smoking for good

Claire celebrates ‘Stoptober’ almost 18 months smoke-free

A Limerick mother of four is encouraging smokers to seek support to quit after successfully breaking a long-term nicotine addiction with help from the HSE Mid West QUIT stop-smoking service.

Rhebogue resident Claire Crawford (29), who had smoked since her teens, was referred to QUIT Mid West through University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) during her fourth pregnancy. With support from Niamh Keating, Stop Smoking Advisor, QUIT Mid West, Claire stopped smoking immediately, was completely nicotine-free within 20 weeks, and has now been a non-smoker for almost 18 months.

Having enjoyed all the health and cost benefits of having a completely smoke-free household for almost a year and a half, and with October 2026 designated as national 'Stoptober' month, Claire says the QUIT service makes all the difference for anyone who wants to stop smoking for good.

Claire credits the programme’s weekly check-in calls and practical guidance with helping her overcome cravings and stay on track.

“Niamh was approachable, understanding and realistic. She helped me identify my triggers and gave me strategies to deal with cravings. Knowing I’d be speaking with her every week motivated me to keep going. Before I knew it, I had reached a year smoke-free.”

Smoking cessation among pregnant women is a priority under the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme. Since 2022, UMHL has provided a dedicated stop-smoking service. Around 5,000 women access the hospital’s antenatal services annually, with maternity staff trained to identify smokers, provide advice and refer them to HSE QUIT services for ongoing support.

Niamh Keating, Stop Smoking Advisor, QUIT Mid West, said Claire’s success reflects the value of personalised support.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Claire on her quit journey. Her story is one of determination and commitment. She trusted the process, believed in herself and has achieved a life-changing result. I hope her experience inspires others to take the first step.”

For Claire, the benefits extend far beyond quitting cigarettes.

“I used to spend around €150 a week on smoking. Now that money goes towards family activities. I have more energy, my health is better, and my children are growing up in a smoke-free home. When my youngest baby was born, I was able to breastfeed him, and I’d never experienced that before because I was a smoker. That was amazing. And I had a caesarean section, as with my previous pregnancies, only this time there was a massive difference in the recovery. The support I received from Niamh and QUIT through all this was incredible, and I’m never going back.”

Eileen Ronan, Director of Midwifery, UMHL, said: “The antenatal midwifery team at UMHL are delighted to have availed of Making Every Moment Count (MECC) training, which has supported many women being referred to the QUIT service. Claire’s story has demonstrated the importance of this training and the service itself.”

Mary McMahon, Tobacco Lead, HSE Mid West, said: “Claire’s story shows how effective specialist support can be. Smoking involves both physical and psychological dependence, and our trained advisors work with people to develop a personalised quit plan. Support and nicotine replacement therapy are available free of charge through the QUIT service.”

For information, visit QUIT Mid West