Gardaí have located Paige Holland (23), also known as Abbie Goodier or Paige Goodier, and her one-week-old daughter, Nevaeh Goodier/Tighe, in Co Tipperary.
The two had been missing since January 15th, when they were last seen leaving their home at Westview, Cloonfad, Co Roscommon.
Ms Holland spoke to The Irish Sun newspaper on Friday about the nationwide search for her and her daughter, who was born on January 13th.
“I feel like a fugitive but the only thing I am guilty of is of being a good mother,” she said.
“I can’t believe this appeal has been issued and our pictures have been plastered all over the media.
“My baby is safe, is breastfeeding and I am bonding with her. She’s also warm, comfortable and receiving love just like any other child.”
Ms Holland, who was born in the UK and moved to Ireland last November, told the newspaper she would notify gardaí of her whereabouts if she received assurances she would stay with her child.
“I’m willing to work with them and will even go to a mother-and-baby unit if they want to assess me. I just want to be with my daughter,” she said.
Gardaí said both mother and daughter are safe and well and thanked the public for their assistance in locating them.