Vic woman charged with child stealing

More charges are expected over the disappearance of a newborn baby and her teenage mother from a Victorian hospital.

Amanda Clay, 17, and her one-day old daughter Phoebe went missing from the special care unit of the Northern Hospital on Thursday, sparking a state-wide search.

Police were afraid that Ms Clay, who gave birth to Phoebe via caesarean only hours earlier, and her baby both needed urgent medical attention.

The mother and baby returned to the hospital on Friday afternoon.

CCTV footage revealed that three women, believed to be family and friends of Ms Clay, had taken the baby before Ms Clay left of her own accord.

A 27-year-old Mill Park woman has been charged with child stealing and reckless conduct, and has been bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Police say investigations are continuing and more charges may be laid.