We, too, now that they are allowed to try, sometimes see babies nurse
very well very early (as early as 32 and 33 weeks).  Not all of them do,
and the ones that do can only usually manage it once or twice a day, but
I have been amazed by what some premies are able to do.  It may be
called "recreational" feeding at this stage, but some of them are able
to really eat.  Unfortunately, bottles are a part of my NICU, so I try
to make the situation as hopeful for BRF as possible. I have seen that
babies who do Kangaroo Care early, and "try" feedings at the breast
before getting a bottle, seem to be much less likely to get nipple
confused once they do get bottles. Has anyone in similar circumstances
seen this?
Dreaming of a bottleless NICU....Edie Armstrong, Fairfax, Va.