Gardaí and medical professionals have appealed to the woman who gave birth to a baby girl, whose body was found on a Co Dublin beach on Saturday, to come forward to get help.
The body of the full-term baby girl, who has been named Belle, was discovered by a woman on Saturday morning on Bell's Strand in Balbriggan. The body was wrapped in cloth and partially buried.
It is believed the newborn baby was on the beach no longer than 24 hours.
The baby girl's remains are in Dublin City Morgue and a burial will be arranged when all tests are complete.
There was no foul play involved, according to gardaí, who added that the woman who gave birth would be treated with the utmost compassion and care.
At a media briefing this afternoon, Tusla area manager for North Dublin Eilidh MacNab appealed for the mother to come forward.
"She will know that gardaí here in Balbriggan have named her beautiful baby Belle and we want her to seek medical attention and get the care, support and attention she needs and she deserves."
Sergeant Fiona Savidge of Balbriggan Garda Station said "the safety of Belle's mam is of paramount importance".
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Garda Inspector Brian Downey also reassured the mother of the baby girl that she was not in trouble and that the only concern was her health and welfare.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said this was not a criminal investigation and that the baby had died some time before delivery.
He urged the mother, or anyone who knows her, to contact gardaí, Tusla, or a medical professional, because the mother needs help.
Garda confidential line: 1800 666 111
National Maternity Hospital: 01 637 3100
Garda Insp Downey added that the mother would be treated in absolute confidence, adding that it did not matter who she goes to, so long as she receives help.
The Master of the National Maternity Hospital has directly appealed to the mother of the baby girl to contact a health professional, reassuring her that there would be no repercussions.
Dr Rhona Mahony said that, first and foremost, everyone was concerned for the mother who may be suffering from post-birth problems and may be too frightened to come forward.
Speaking on the same programme, she said this was an immensely difficult time for the mother.
Dr Mahony said that the primary motivation of health professionals was concern for the mother.
"We will speak to her in absolute confidence. Our primary motivation is care for her, so she need not be concerned in relation to gardaí or being in trouble or being given out to, and we will absolutely deal with her in confidence. Even if she just wants to talk to us. Our primary concern is her physical health and mental health," she said.
A social worker and child welfare consultant has also said the woman should not be afraid of coming forward.
Kieran McGrath said that people just want to help her.
Mr McGrath said that it may seem very daunting for her to go to a garda station or a hospital but that she, or a family member or friend, could contact these services anonymously and speak to someone who could explain to her what might happen next.
He said this might provide a bridge to help her come forward.
Mr McGrath said: "She could contact any of the maternity hospitals and ask to speak to a medical social worker for example, who are well used to dealing with very sensitive matters of this kind.
"They would be sympathetic and very compassionate in these circumstances.
"So that's one step that they could take, without taking what they might think is a huge step to come forward and present themselves somewhere."
