“Childbirth, for many people, can be a traumatic time. And it can be very distressing,” she said.
Loading
“I am deeply concerned for the safety and the mental health of the mother. And also for the safety of her baby. I ask that she comes forward to health services, to police, to anyone that can offer her any form of support during this very difficult time. I need to know that she’s safe.”
How the umbilical cord became detached was part of their investigation, with McDonald unable to say if it was cut.
The possibility that the mother gave birth elsewhere and was at the river afterwards was also being investigated.
“That’s why we’ve got police doing a line search at the moment,” McDonald said.
“Anyone that may have seen any distressed woman or pregnant woman in the area is encouraged to come forward and provide police with any information that could also extend to the birth occurring elsewhere.
“Anyone in the vicinity of Lang Road, Wardell Road and Ewen Park on Monday is asked to come forward with any information.”
While police do not know who the mother is, they urged anyone who might know to contact Crime Stoppers, which can be done anonymously.
Police are searching a new area of interest following the discovery on Monday. Credit: Janie Barrett
Pathologists were undergoing DNA testing of the placenta in the hope of soon determining the baby’s gender and exactly when the birth occurred.
McDonald said police were “working against the clock” due to the flow of the river, which was out at midday yesterday and began to retreat last night.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.