Mothers' internal working models with infants with gastroesophageal reflux.

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.