Missing teen mum and newborn baby return to Melbourne hospital

A young mum and her one-day-old baby have returned safely to a Melbourne hospital, after their disappearance sparked a major search.

Amanda Clay and her newborn Phoebe went missing from the Northern Hospital about 3.30pm yesterday, after Ms Clay gave birth by caesarean early that morning.

They are now back at the hospital receiving medical care.

Authorities carried out a desperate 17-hour search for the pair, and CCTV footage showed three women taking the baby from the hospital.

Police charged a 27-year-old woman with child stealing and reckless conduct over the disappearance.

She will appear in court at a later date.