You’ve heard of 101 Dalmatians — now meet one of the 101 babies born since a specialist team was launched to support pregnant women to quit smoking.

Emily Thompson, of Newark, the 101st ‘smoke-free’ baby, was born at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, on Boxing Day.

Her mum, Martyna Franiasz, quit smoking in July when she was pregnant with Emily, thanks to support from Sherwood Forest Hospitals’ Phoenix Team — a maternity tobacco dependence treatment service.

Emily was presented with a black and white Dalmatian print hat at Newark Hospital, where it was confirmed her mum remained smoke-free six weeks since giving birth. The presentation took place at the first Phoenix Team clinic at Newark Hospital. The clinic means families can have the option of face-to-face appointments at Newark as well as at King’s Mill, which will be more convenient and save the time and cost of travelling for those who prefer to see their advisor rather than receive support via telephone.

Martyna, who started smoking when she was 19 and smoked 10 to 20 cigarettes a day, had unsuccessfully tried to quit in the past. She said: “I’m happy and proud of myself. I don’t want to start smoking again.

My advisor, Tanya, has been amazing — I can’t thank the team enough.”

Emily’s dad, Adam Thompson, who works at Bakkavor Desserts, Newark, said: “We are really grateful. When I first heard about the service I asked how much it was and I couldn’t believe it was free.”

The service, which was set up at the end of 2021, helps mothers and birthing parents to give up smoking during pregnancy with support from trained tobacco dependence advisors and free nicotine replacement products.

People can refer themselves or be referred by a health professional such as a midwife or doctor. A member of their household or close family, such as a partner, can also receive support to quit smoking if they wish.

In England, the rate of pregnant women and people smoking at the time of birth is 9.1%. At Sherwood Forest Hospitals, it’s 16.23%. Quitting smoking while pregnant reduces the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, heart defects and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The average cost to the NHS of providing care during pregnancy and birth to a person who smokes is double that of a non-smoker due to the interventions required.

Claire Allison, Tobacco Dependence Maternity lead at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it’s never too late to quit. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to give a child a healthy start — it immediately reduces the effects of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, and other damaging chemicals.

“It’s been an amazing first year for the service and we can’t believe we’ve welcomed 101 babies. We’re excited to extend our clinic to Newark Hospital.

“We recognise that smoking in pregnancy is the result of addiction to nicotine, which requires treatment, so there’s no judgement or pressure — just free, friendly support.”