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Mothers' internal working models with infants with gastroesophageal reflux
1University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing.
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) poses biological and developmental risks for infants. Understanding GER
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Infant Development
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) presents significant biological and developmental challenges for infants.
- Infant GER care necessitates a holistic approach, integrating physiological and developmental considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physiological underpinnings of GER in infants.
- To examine current GER treatments and their effect on caregiver problem-solving.
- To assess the impact of GER on infant self-regulatory development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Exploration of physiological bases of GER.
- Discussion of treatment modalities and developmental impacts.
Main Results:
- GER impacts both the biological and developmental trajectories of infants.
- Treatment strategies for GER can influence caregiver approaches.
- GER may affect the development of infant self-regulation.
Conclusions:
- Nurses can utilize the concept of internal working models.
- Individualized anticipatory guidance for parents is crucial.
- A framework for managing GER's developmental impact is proposed.
Abstract:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) places infants both at biological risk and developmental risk. Care of an infant with GER requires an integration of the physiologic and developmental needs of the infant. The author explores the physiologic bases for GER, current treatment modalities impacting caregiver problem solving, and the potential impact of GER on infants' development of self-regulatory processes. The concept of internal working models is presented as a framework for nurses to use to individualize anticipatory guidance for parents of infants with GER.