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In this episode of The MatNeo Podcast, we explore how teams can better understand and address smoking in pregnancy through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Host Jo Govier is joined by Gemma Horsefield, Midwife Sonographer and Fetal Surveillance Lead Midwife at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and Nicola Brown, Lead for SmartStart, Norfolk and Waveney's in-house Maternity Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service. Together, they discuss the physiological impact of smoking in pregnancy, the science of nicotine addiction, the importance of opt-out referrals, the support offered by SmartStart, and how multi-professional teams can create supportive, non-judgemental conversations that help women and families make positive changes.

Listeners will gain practical insights into:

• The physiological impact of smoking in pregnancy
• Framing smoking discussions with sensitivity and confidence
• Understanding addiction as a clinical condition, not a habit
• Building effective referral pathways and multidisciplinary support
• Reducing stigma while improving perinatal outcomes

This episode is designed for frontline maternity and neonatal professionals who want to deepen their understanding, strengthen their communication skills, and enhance collaborative practice around tobacco dependency in pregnancy.