New mother has no legs and one arm

A woman born with no legs and only one arm is getting used to caring for her new baby. Melek, 24, and boyfriend Mehmet are overjoyed with their son Semih, who is now nine-months-old. The couple first met when they were 14, introduced by family friends after Mehmet moved to Denmark from Turkey, and slowly fell in love.

"I have had a lot of other girlfriends but never felt for anyone like I do for Melek," Mehmet said. The pair became lovers when they were 18; later moving in together before getting married in Turkey two years ago, though their union isn't recognised in Denmark. Melek said: "We always wanted children and we were so happy when we found out I was pregnant. I took the test five or six times."



However, both doctors and Melek's family were concerned about how her body would respond to, not to mention cope with, being pregnant. She was determined to give birth naturally but the decision was taken out of her hands when her waters unexpectedly broke.

Semih was born by caesarean section, weighing a healthy 8lb 6oz, the next morning with Melek under a general anaesthetic as doctors were unable to administer an epidural. But since leaving hospital it has been a sharp learning curve for the new mother, and Mehmet, as she is still learning how to handle the baby. Melek added: "Family and friends have all said that they will be happy to help. We hope to get a bigger apartment that has a lift, a room for the baby and space for our dog Chanel."