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Abstract

This study explored possible consequences of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in the infant on the mother-infant subsystem within the family system. A total of 36 mother-infant pairs contributed information. A group of mother-infant dyads where the infant had GER (n = 20) was compared with a control group (n = 16). Infants with GER were more likely than infants in the control group to be a source of stress, and care giving issues beyond feeding were more of a problem for the mothers in the GER group than for mothers in the control group. In comparison to the control group of mothers, there were no higher levels of maternal separation anxiety or greater amounts of help the mother received in daily tasks when the infant had GER. Videotapes made of the mother playing with the infant were scored by a research assistant blind to the diagnosis of the baby. Subtle differences in the infant's behavior during the first play session were observed when the infant had GER. No group differences were found in a second videotaped play session several weeks later. The study provides insight into early parenting experiences when there are problems feeding the baby.

Keywords

parent-infant relationship early intervention gastroesophageal reflux

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When an Infant Has a Feeding Problem

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