THE MOTHER of a newborn baby has been desperately urged to get in contact with midwives after giving birth without medical assistance in the Penhow area of Newport.

A personal phone line has been publicised for her to contact – day or night – so that her health, and that of her young child, can be monitored.

Gwent Police have reassured the woman, who is believed to have given birth sometime between Sunday, October 18, and Monday, October 19, that she is not in trouble and they just want to identify her and provide support if needed.

Deb Jackson, the head of midwifery at Anuerin Bevan Health Board, has said it is of paramount importance that they determine the condition of both mother and baby.

“We would urge anyone with information to seek our help. I can’t stress enough the urgency for us to ensure she is fit and healthy,” she said.

“If she doesn’t seek medical help, it could be detrimental to the health of her and her baby.”

Evidence of the birth was discovered by a dog walker at around 10am on Monday morning and has been forensically and medically examined.

Indications are that the baby is female.

Experienced healthcare staff have given an opinion about the possible age of the baby, which suggests that she is capable of surviving, but would require expert and immediate medical support.

The mother may also need medical and emotional support.

The baby may have been taken to a doctor or hospital for care, but has not been seen by one in the Gwent area.

Detective Superintendent Ruth Price, speaking from Gwent Police headquarters in Cwmbran, said that since the appeal was first launched earlier this week, nobody had been in contact.

She added that the area had been searched and door-to-door inquiries had been carried out.

She added that, if she could speak directly to the woman, she would say: “Please don’t be afraid.

“You are not in any trouble.”

She added that such a case was ‘extremely rare’ for the police force.

Anyone with information that could assist is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 126 19/10/15.

The woman is urged to call the head of midwifery, Ms Jackson, on 07811 290141.