One thing that i've always read is that it DOES affect bonding, because some preemies can shut down pretty easily. My mom said it would take her 3 hours to feed me 2 oz of milk because i kept falling asleep. I think it is harder for preemies to be attached to their parents, but it can be overcome. My mom was 18 when she had me, and I think she did her best, but she admits she had no clue what she was doing.

ALSO: YES to that dog incident being very traumatic! I have a MASSIVE fear of hospitals and doctors. Hospitals the most. Luckily I have been a healthy adult (and child), but one time when I cut my hand open on glass and was home alone, I didn't even think about calling an ambulance. I would have rather bled out then go to the hospital. It just so happened a friend called and I was all ike "oh, i cut my hand," and she said "Ok, well I"ll bike over!" hahaha. She told her mom I cut my hand, so her mom drove her over. I'll never forget the look on my friend's face. It went completely white.

20 stitches later....

But I know my intense fear of hospitals and doctors is because i spent the first 4 months of my life in the NICU. I told my T that if i ever get cancer, I'm out of here (as in, i will not be able to handle chemo and all the hospital visits...)