35 week gestation premies (either newly born, or finally after 4-5 weeks of nicu stay) frequently act like they know what they're doing. They stay warm in an open crib, they've learned how to eat, they've even learned to breathe on a regular basis. They're gaining wt., and they're cuter than just about anything on the planet. Mom and dad are bonded, providing care, breastfeeding. (Well, maybe not dad.)
Don't trust them! and try not to let anyone send them home!
In a heartbeat, they can remember that they're only 35 wks, and, by rights, they don't have to know how to do any of the above. They can get cold, have residuals and have apnea of prematurity, get septic, even die.
As long as you remember they're not trustworthy, you won't completely relax around them.
Gompers, dawngloves, krvrn, and all the other experienced nicu nurses--what do you think?
