A BABY born prematurely is being treated in hospital after her mother died while giving birth.

Samantha "Sam" Hadcroft, aged 31, died in the Royal Bolton Hospital following complications during the birth of her second child, Emily Rose, born seven weeks prematurely.

On Tuesday, 250 mourners paid their respects at Sam's funeral at Chowbent Unitarian Chapel, Atherton. Her stunned husband, David, said: "People who knew her were shocked. These days everyone expects childbirth to be a walk in the park."

Baby Emily will remain in hospital until she is well enough to join her sister -- 21-months-old Daisy Hope -- at the family's home in Atherton.