Limerick mother marks 18 months smoke‑free after QUIT Mid West support

A 29‑year‑old mother from Rhebogue is celebrating almost 18 months without smoking, crediting the QUIT Mid West service for her success.

Claire Crawford, who began smoking in her teens, was referred to QUIT Mid West by the University Maternity Hospital Limerick during her fourth pregnancy. With guidance from Niamh Keating, a Stop Smoking Advisor, Crawford stopped smoking immediately and was nicotine‑free within 20 weeks.

She says the regular support made the difference after previous attempts during pregnancy lasted only a few hours. “I’d tried to stop many times before, especially during pregnancy, but I could never last more than a few hours,” Crawford said.

Crawford reports significant health and financial benefits, noting she previously spent around €150 a week on cigarettes. The saved money now funds family activities, and she experiences more energy, better health, and a smoke‑free home for her children. She also highlighted that, for the first time, she could breastfeed her youngest baby and recovered more quickly after a caesarean section.

With October 2026 designated as national ‘Stoptober’, Crawford encourages others to use the QUIT service. More information is available at HSE.ie/QuitSmoking.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Alexas Fotos / Pexels.