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)