I am a pediatrician currently on maternity leave who has worked with many patients with GE Reflux. I wanted to respond to Dr Zimmermans comment on GE Reflux: >The problem IMHO is that there is alot of over treatment. Parents need to expect babies to spit up and do laundry. Only if the baby has a problem should any treatment be considered. In those cases, treatment can often dramatically help.> I heartily agree with her post. Yes, in the US there is a tendency to "overtreat" many conditions. I limit treating GE reflux with meds for patients that are not gaining weight or have significant esophagitis. However I would like to emphasize that although most babies spit up (wet burp), the reflux babies I have seen literally toss almost every thing up (soak all their clothes, the bedding, the parents). This is more than just a "laundry" issue :)! As a pediatrician I encounter many parents that expect "perfect babies" that pee, poop and feed with a minimum of muss and fuss. Now that I am also a mom, I can appreciate some of the parent's perspective on this. The key IMHO is developing a partnership with parents and providers to help parents make the best decisions possible for their children. Working in the multicultural environment of California and Nevada I have learned that there are many "correct=safe" ways to raise children. Flexibility has been key in my growth as a pediatrician. I've been enjoying lurking on LACTNET--This is my second post. Just to let everyone know, the carpal tunnel (right and left) and Dequerevains (right) in my hands is improving slightly. Hasn't impeding the breastfeeding of my little guy Josh (now 4 weeks and chubbing out). Breast Milk Rules! Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP Modesto CA P.S. ( I am African American and Bilingual English/Spanish--I am most interested in hearing from others who work with patients from different backgrounds from themselves and how they cross the cultural divide)