PORTLAND - Sunday morning a neighbor found a newborn in a field next to the Gateway Fred Meyer in Northeast Portland.

Portland Police report that the neighbor was walking his dogs and went into the field to investigate because the animals would not stop barking. He also heard a sound that he thought was a kitten.

Shortly after the baby was found, police located a 29-year-old woman in the area who they later confirmed was the newborn’s mother. They also discovered that the baby was born in the field.

The woman told KGW off-camera that she wasn't sure she pregnant until the day she gave birth. She said doctors had told her, but she thought they were wrong. She said the pregnancy was "a mystery."

The newborn was taken into protective custody and was checked over by doctors who said she was healthy, authorities said.

The woman said she left the baby in the field and went to a nearby home to wash off with a garden hose.

Police said she told them that she did not plan on abandoning the baby girl and wants her daughter back. But authorities said the mother will need to undergo mental evalaution before there is any chance that she could possibly get the child back from protective services.

No one has been charged with a crime.  Police are still investigating.

Oregon law allows anyone to drop off a newborn at any medical, fire or police facility without being prosecuted.