Nurse: Mother of abandoned baby at risk of post-natal depression

Tuesday 20 March 2018

A midwife and clinical nurse have described the “depressive” psychological changes a new mum kept away from her child will expect to undergo in a fresh plea to get a mother whose baby was left at the hospital’s emergency ward to seek help.

Police, Children’s Services and hospital officials are still hoping to hear from the new mum, whose baby boy was discovered in the A&E waiting room around 05:40 on Sunday by two women who are yet to be identified.

The baby, who has now been given a name, was dropped at the department wrapped in a soft yellow blanket and is said to be “fit and well.”

Today, clinical nurse and perinatal mental health specialist Liz Euld explained that the mother could be suffering from 'Baby Blues', which are common within a few days of childbirth. She said the symptoms can make a mother "weepy, emotional, irrational at times. It's usually quite short-lived, it would only last for a couple of weeks, if it goes on longer than that we would be concerned they could be developing post-natal depression."

Ms Euld said the psychological impact is due to the hormonal and chemical changes mothers go through to produce milk and bond with their baby.  

Video: Clinical nurse Liz Euld shared the symptoms the new mum may be experiencing.

Evidence suggests that most new mums go through some degree of 'Baby Blues', but not all cases require medical help. Ms Euld said she was very concerned for the welfare of the unknown mum due to the level of trauma and distress she may have experienced.

Along with the mental health implications of childbirth, midwife Jan Auffet also warned of the physical issues following yesterday's concerns that the new mum could suffer from sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

Mothers are normally checked every day for up to 10 days after having a baby to prevent any ongoing issues and to recognise any signs of infection, including shivering and a high temperature. 

Video: Midwife Jan Affet explains the symptoms the friends and family of the new mother need to look out for.

The news has shaken islanders, who have pledged their support to the “desperate” mum on social media in their hundreds, even offering baby clothing and equipment to help. Some have even dropped these items at the hospital, but health officials are asking people to contact the Children's Service phone line on 07797920322 instead.

Police are still unsure whether the baby’s mother is one of the two women seen in CCTV footage meeting up outside the hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning before one of them walked in. However, if it was, Police say at least one other person knows about the baby and are urging both them and the mother to contact Jan via a dedicated phone line 07797 710885.

Islanders with any information should get in contact on 612200 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

READ MORE:

Police search for mother of newborn baby left at A&E

Midwife urges mum of abandoned baby to call

Concerns growing for mother of baby boy left at A&E