Caesarean section

First-time mum Samantha Howard is struggling to come to terms with what happened to her. ''It felt like I was being butchered.''

Born at 30 weeks with a rare genetic syndrome that prevented her jawbones from developing, little Nova wasn’t expected to survive.

''If we had waited another 20 minutes, she wouldn't have made it... I'm just so glad and grateful that she's here today.''

Is a C-section safer than a natural birth? North & South investigates.

A young mum who went into hospital to give birth was left devastated when she woke up six days later with her lower legs amputated.