I can't imagine anyone thinking that babies are unable to feel pain. They were very careful with my nephew was born at 22 weeks 13 years ago, he was less than two lbs. I don't think that it was concern for pain as much as it was that if the child cried he was wasting energy that he could not afford to lose. Even through an NG tube and IV's he had a difficult time getting the calories he needed every day.

They're making amazing progress these days while my nephew has many difficulties and disabilities a co-worker's daughter was born at 21 weeks and less than 2 lbs and today she's a completely healthy 5 year old.

I was born early too, although not as early as you I was born at 30 weeks, less than 4 lbs; 40 years ago.