The amount of protesting had her a bit worried, but she wouldn't really push if he was that scared of trying. "Milestone is the term used to describe the progress a preemie has to make in order to go home from the NCIU," she explained. "Obviously, things are different here, but the principles are the same, the milestones are the same. He needs to be able to breathe on his own, feed on his own and keep his body temperature stable without the incubator."
"You're clearly not comfortable with the idea, but why don't I send you some links with facts and you can read for yourself," she suggested. "We'll use the pacifier for now, but sooner rather than later he needs to practice not only on sucking but on swallowing and breathing at the same time. Only a bottle will give him that opportunity, and the tubes carry risks as well."
"Either way it's time to remove the IV. He's healthy enough that he doesn't need it any longer."