Tulsa Mother Of Abused 5 Week Old 'Can't Imagine Life Without Her'

The mother of an abused five-week-old baby said her daughter is recovering faster than doctors thought and could be sent home by the end of the week, but she won't be going home with her mother.

Police said five-week-old baby Bragg had bruises, a bite mark, broken ribs and a bleeding brain when taken to the hospital last Friday.

They arrested her father, Robert Bragg, after they said he admitted causing the injuries.

9/19/2014 Related Story: Tulsa Father Arrested For Critically Injuring 5-Week-Old Baby

The baby's mother, Alicia Bragg, said the minute her husband was arrested she filed a protective order, filed for divorce and moved out.

She said she gave police additional evidence, has cooperated and signed up for parenting classes, but despite all that, she said DHS is placing the baby with the suspect's family.

"My biggest fear is that I'm not going to get her back. I can't imagine life without her,” Alicia said.

Alicia said she had taken her daughter to the hospital for a spot of blood in her diaper and a bruise on her cheek just a week prior to the abuse being found.

Records show the doctors did not have any concerns and sent her home.

Detectives said it's hard for them to believe Alicia didn't know about the abuse, but also can't fault a new mother for listening to the doctors.

"If the pediatrician and hospital staff didn't know, how can they expect me to know," Alicia asked.

Alicia has a nursery in her new apartment ready for when baby Bragg comes home, but for now, she said DHS told her, baby Bragg will be going home with Alicia's husband's brother and his partner, since they are already set up as foster parents.

"As much as I trust David and Jason and understand they are good people, I understand my child's place should be with me,” Alicia said.

DHS said baby Bragg is being placed elsewhere because it's an ongoing investigation and Alicia may still be under investigation.

"I have done everything and will do everything to have and take care of my child. She is my first and only priority. I will not stop fighting for my child to be where she belongs,” she said.

Robert Bragg has pleaded not guilty to the abuse charges. His attorney, Rob Nigh, said anytime there's a case where a child is injured, it's tragic and emotions run high but it can't let us lose sight of the facts.

At this point, it is only a charge and the presumption of innocence is still there. He said there is more to this than the allegation and Robert and his family ask everyone to keep an open mind until the case is heard.

He also points out that although there were initial reports of sexual abuse, the D.A. did not file any sexual abuse charges.

He adds Robert's family just wants the best placement for baby Bragg.