Southampton midwife urges mother to get medical help, as police launch public information portal following the discovery of a human placenta

We are continuing our appeal for a child and mother of a recently born baby in Southampton, who we believe has not yet sought assistance, to get the urgent medical help she and her baby need.

We were called to the Holly Brook Park area at 8.47am on Wednesday (21 June), following the discovery of a placenta by members of the public. Forensic examination now confirms that the placenta is human.

Since the report came in, our priority has been to find the mother who has recently given birth to ensure that she gets the urgent medical care and support she and that her baby will desperately need.

Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: “We don’t know what you have been through, however we expect that this must be a really distressing time for you if you have gone through this birth alone.

“We remain keen to speak to anyone who has concerns for someone they know who has been pregnant or recently given birth. Your information could be the key to making sure this mother and child get the help they so desperately need.

“If you’ve had concerns for a friend or loved one in relation to pregnancy, please let us know. You can speak to us completely anonymously if you wish.

“Local residents will continue to see a police presence in the area as we focus on finding the mother and her baby and getting them support.

Emma Northover, Director of Midwifery at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), added: “We are all worried about you and we want you to get the midwifery support that you may need.

“If you have given birth unattended, without the overview of a midwife, you may be in pain, you may be suffering from bleeding or an infection which could be potentially life threatening if left untreated. It’s important that your baby is also checked over to ensure that everything is ok and that they don’t need any input from the hospital team.

“If you’re not sure where to go please come to see us at Princess Anne Hospital so we can take care of you. Alternatively you can walk in to any hospital, GP or walk-in centre – please come forward and get the care and help you need.”