‘The best, most positive experience of my life’: New mum shares C-section story on TikTok

INSPIRING: Grace Jopling and new baby Billy

By Rick Lyon

More than a third of a million people have shared in a Hull mum’s positive experience of a planned caesarean section.

Grace Jopling, 24, has created a short video charting her journey from late pregnancy to proud new mum of baby Billy Isaac – named after her late grandad – and posted it on TikTok.

The video comprises a series of still photos, charting Grace’s final hours of pregnancy, through her planned C-section at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital, to her first few days as a proud mum.

Grace’s video also contains reassuring words and messages for others who may go through the same experience. It received almost 369,000 views in just five days.

Grace said: “I created the video to share what was the most positive experience for me, and to go against the horror stories that you always seem to hear about.

DOING WELL: Grace Jopling and little Billy Isaac out of hospital

“I was admitted to the ward at 7am, and was in theatre by 10.30am. I’d already spoken to the surgeon earlier on the ward, who was able ease my worries, and within 14 minutes of the surgeon starting, I was holding my new baby in my arms.

“I was able to have skin to skin contact that’s so important for bonding, and I received lots of help from the midwives with breastfeeding. I was able to choose a song for Billy to be born to, and even though it was a caesarean section, Billy’s dad and I still got to cut the cord.

“I was discharged the following day and within just two days, I was moving around with ease and out showing my baby off to the world.

“This has been the best, most positive, amazing experience of my life.

“I have always been in admiration of all the amazing individuals who work within the NHS. Following my incredible experience of my caesarean section, I have a whole new level of admiration for all the doctors, midwives, nurses and nursing assistants for bringing Billy into the world safely and keeping me safe too.

BROUGHT SAFELY INTO THE WORLD: Baby Billy Isaac

“It was a tough journey, but these are real life superheroes.”

Grace’s video has prompted much discussion too, with hundreds of people offering their congratulations and both new and expectant parents commenting just how reassuring it has been to share in her story.

One follower said: “This puts me at ease. This is the same hospital I’ll be at for my elective section so thanks for sharing.”

Another said: “Love how positive this was.”

Lorraine Cooper, director of maternity at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “It’s so wonderful to see someone like Grace sharing her positive experience at our hospital and offering reassurances to those who may be nervous or worried about an upcoming C-section.

POSITIVE EXPERIENCE: Grace Jopling prior to surgery

“While there are always risks associated with this type of procedure, I’m so pleased Grace’s section went well and she’s been blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

“This is such a valuable thing for her to have done, and seeing her share her story in this way will serve as a real boost for our staff too.”

Grace’s video can be viewed in full on TikTok here.