Whatever you call them I do believe they happen. I'm not sure you could compare it to adults who have their full growth. I have observed in my children that the increased need to feed comes with growth in length. This continues through adulthood. I always knew that when the food seemed to disappear in mass quantities it was time to line them up to the doorjamb and make a new height mark. Never failed to be true. I don't see why preemies would be any different. Also, I never had a mother fail to understand and accept this concept as valid. It actually seemed to help them relax about periodic, intense feeding patterns. Regarding the family bed comment at the shower....If she feels she would be too aware to sleep with a child in her bed, she probably would be, but only because she is convinced it would be so. There is cultural conditioning to be overcome, but as many families who share sleep can attest, it's a wonderful way to actually get more restful sleep, not to mention those sweet smiles in the morning. My only regret with the family bed is that I didn't do it with my first child! IMHO Adele Delgado, LLLL Santa Ysabel, Ca. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html