An umbilical cord which was recently found on the banks of a Sydney river belonged to a baby boy, police have revealed.
Authorities are still searching for the baby and his mother, after an umbilical cord and placenta was found by a dog walker at the Cooks River in Earlwood, in Sydney’s west, at about 4.30pm on Monday.
Forensic testing has confirmed the baby is a boy.
Police are yet to confirm whether the baby was born on the river bank or elsewhere.
Authorities have urged the mother to attend her nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her son, a sentiment which was strongly echoed by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
‘My heart absolutely goes out to this mother and her young baby,’ he said on Tuesday.
‘I want to say this very clearly to her if she’s listening, or if her friends and family who are no doubt in distress or listening: You’re not in trouble.
‘You don’t have to talk to the police. The only thing I ask that you do is make your way to one of our hospitals so that we can care for you and your baby as quickly as possible.’
Police divers are seen scouring the mangroves at the waters edge
Shortly after the discover, Detective Chief Superintendent Christine McDonald said she hoped one of the nearby homes or businesses in Earlwood had CCTV footage of the woman, or a pregnant woman in distress.
She acknowledged that childbirth could be a ‘traumatic’ and ‘distressing’ time for many people.
‘I am deeply concerned for the safety and the mental health of the mother,’ said Superintendent McDonald.
‘I need to know that she’s safe and I need to know that she is receiving the support that she needs right now.’
Anyone with information, or CCTV vision is urged to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.