University Hospital Southampton makes urgent appeal following the discovery of a placenta by members of the public

Midwives at University Hospital Southampton are appealing to the mum of a recently born baby in Southampton, who it’s believed has not yet sought medical assistance, to get the urgent medical help they need.

Police 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. Tests have confirmed that the placenta is human.

They are now urging the mum to make contact with a nurse or doctor so they can be checked over and ensure they have the physical and emotional help they might need.

Appealing to the mum, 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.”

Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy from Hampshire Police, 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.

“That is why it is so important for you to speak to a nurse or a doctor so that they can make sure you are ok.

“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 mum gets the help that could be desperately needed.”