No the cig doesn't calm you down, it actually causes the anxiety as the effect of the nicotine wearing off. I finally quit when I realized just how much those cigs had taken from me and what the ultimate price was going to be. There is a book called Allen Carr's easy way to quit smoking. It worked for me and I hope it can work for you. Check around the internet, you should find it for free. Good luck and big hug. congrats on the kiddo too!