The baby girl was in the hospital's special care nursery when she was taken, the Manning/Great Lakes Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Christine George, said this afternoon.

It was important, she said, for Wotherspoon to return the child as she may be in need of medical attention.

The baby had not been cleared for medical release and it is very important she is checked by a medical professional, she said.

Acting Supt George would not speculate on the reasons behind the abduction, saying police were solely concerned with the welfare of the child.

She said Wotherspoon may too be in need of medical care.

"Every mother reacts differently to childbirth and while you may feel fine, you may be in need of medical attention," she appealed to Wotherspoon.

About 12.20pm Thursday, Wotherspoon, 26, left the hospital in York Street, Taree, on foot with the child.

Police launched an appeal for information about Wotherspoon's whereabouts yesterday, but today said they had no leads and did not know where she may be headed.

Police have launched a statewide search and contacted many of Wotherspoon's friends and families to no avail.

Information from the public, while appreciated, has not yielded any results.

Manning Hospital’s general manager Roslyn Everingham echoed the police’s concerns.

"Emily, your baby is obviously very important to you, the health of that baby is paramount," Ms Everingham said.

She encouraged the 26-year-old mother to take the infant to any hospital.

Wotherspoon is described as being 170cm tall, light brown complexion, long dark hair.

When she was last seen she was wearing black tights with football shorts over the top and a grey singlet top.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police station.