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It's been a bad day for Chrissie Swan

Chrissie Swan admitted that she’s been secretly smoking whilst pregnant this morning.

Though I’m sure you’ve heard the news, let’s just take a moment for that to sink in.

My reaction is to be completely gobsmacked. I thought everyone quit while they were pregnant, didn’t they? Isn’t it a given? Clearly not if the government campaign currently running is warranted, trying to convince smoking mums to give up.

Personally, I don’t get it. Don’t you know you can miscarry and that there’s a 50 per cent higher chance of SIDS if you smoke during pregnancy? Surely there’s nothing more important than the health of your baby and I’m pretty damn sure that losing a child would be more upsetting than ditching the ciggies for nine months. Hell, even Kate Moss quit when she was pregnant and she’s like, the world’s biggest smoker. I bet she even goes to bed with them.

I used to smoke. I know how hard it can be to quit, but you’re pregnant. It’s not about you anymore, didncha know? It’s not going to be about you for a long while. Your body is being taken over by the baby growing inside you and you have a responsibility to give it the best possible start in life. Life is hard enough, right? Why make your baby start behind everyone else? That’s the why I see it anyway, it just doesn’t make sense.

Related: Pregnancy and birth at Practical Parenting

Of course, lots of women do various things during pregnancy that may harm their baby. Some women diet, which I’m sure is not good for your unborn child. I know some women who get Botox, even though doctors don’t yet know enough about the possible ramifications and recommend that you don’t.

I eat sushi when I’m pregnant. I know, I know! The bacteria! But apparently if you eat it from a reputable restaurant where you highly doubt it’s contaminated, then it should, theoretically, be safe. So said my obstetrician. Still, a risk. Saying that, I won’t touch alcohol, but I know lots of women who do.

My point is that there are a bunch of different things you can do which may harm your baby, or may not. But the one thing we do really know about is smoking.

Wanna know how I quit? I went to see a hypnotist. Best $150 I’ve ever spent in my life. It just took the pain out of quitting. I know it won’t work for everyone, but ten years ago, it really helped me.

Try it Chrissie!

What did you do during pregnancy that you thought as risky?

Last week: The smug mummy syndrome