Bad dream...what happens if you forget your newborn in the hospital parking?

Question

Last night I had one of those crazy pregnancy dreams, you know the vivid ones that seem so real. My husband and I were leaving the hospital with our new baby and we were so distracted by making sure that the car seat base was secure that we drove off with out the baby.

I have had some weird and crazy dreams since becomign pregnant, but this one takes the cake. It seems like such a really possibility. It's really bothering me, I know I won't forget the baby at the hospital, but now I'm thinking it could be so easy to forget...especially when it seems like someone is always forgetting their baby in the car these days. I think it's the only news story I hear.

I know it's just a dream, and I probably shouldn't be worried, but now forgetting my baby is a fear. What can I do to put my mind at ease until my next new mom worry comes along?

Answer 1

I think that is one of the most common fear of any mother! I can guarantee you that you will never forget that child anywhere because your life will be so revolved around him/her that it is just impossible.

Also you might have those crazy dreams after the baby is born and that is even crazier because the baby is right there. I have a feeling that our body/subcontinent make us have those dreams so we pay more attention when we are with the baby. That is no other explanation (besides the crazy hormones). I used to have dreams that I feel asleep in top of the baby and when I woke up the baby was blue! OMG! I would start to sweat and cry like a crazy person in the middle of the night.  

Answer 2

This sounds like the normal anxiety of becoming a parent.

I used to worry constantly about forgetting my baby/toddler.  However, that never even came close to happening.

Answer 3

oh yeh, i forgot all about the crazy dreams until i read your question! they're really weird hey? i had some really strange ones. dont worry, they'll pass. every pregnant woman that i know has had them. i thought maybe they were from a few things like an over active imagination? your subconscious? things that you are worried about? you'll laugh about them when your bub comes along.    

Answer 4

Just trust yourself.  You know that you wouldn't forget your little angel so just worry about what is to come in the next day for you, not what happened the previous night.

Answer 5

i normally take a jungian approach to dreams, but this one is so straightforward i don't even have to go that far.

the dream says clearly that you're afraid--no, terrified, that you're inadequate to the responsibilities inherent in the challenges of parenthood.

most parents are, and those that aren't, should be.

try taking some parenting classes at your local community center, and check with family and friends to see who can help out during crisis times.  

by doing this, you're going to be moving in the right direction, and that should allay some of your anxiety.

right now it sounds like you need a lot of reassurance.  but if you care enough to ask this question, doesn't that show that you deserve to be that child's parent?