Challenges with feeding often stem from weak or disorganized reflexes. Some of the challenges that can be improved with reflex integration include difficulties with latch and suction, weak and uncoordinated suck/swallow pattern, inability to stay alert at the breast, and oral aversions. Using targeted bodywork and reflex exercises, we can activate and strengthen the oral-motor reflexes, reduce body tension, optimize muscle tone, improve coordination of the tongue, lips, and jaw, and reduce oral aversion and sensory processing issues.

Without intervention, birth trauma can create lifelong challenges. It interrupts the natural development of reflexes and can be the root cause of excessive body tension, colic and digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and developmental delays. With therapy we can get things back on track. Reflex integration helps infants with birth trauma by regulating the nervous system, reducing body tension, and improving muscle tone and alignment. Restoring proper, balanced reflex patterns can ensure healthy fine and gross motor skills and optimize baby’s development.

Gross motor milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking all play important roles in baby’s postural development as well as in their brain development. Fine motor skills are critical as well and include tasks like grasping, pointing, pinching, and speaking. Reflex integration supports the maturation of baby’s nervous system and the development of these important motor skills. With bodywork and reflex exercises we can improve gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and postural control, as well as speech and oral motor development.

Tethered oral tissues, like tongue and lip ties, restrict baby’s mobility and inhibit the expression and development of healthy reflex patterns. Bodywork and reflex integration are critical pre- and post- surgical release to ensure proper oral function is in place. Using specific, targeted hands on techniques we can ensure proper development of oral-motor patterns, reduce tension in the mouth and body, and improve strength and coordination of oral-facial as well as whole body reflexes.

Reflex integration can help to reduce symptoms of colic and digestive issues by working with specific reflexes in the spine, hips, and mouth. These techniques work to regulate the nervous system, reduce body tension and abdominal discomfort, improve gut motility, support the suck-swallow-breathe pattern, and increase bonding and attachment.

Optimize your baby’s development with tummy time therapy. Tummy time builds core strength and postural control, enhances motor planning and problem solving, and boosts cognitive and visual development. Reflex integration improves head and neck control, reduces body tension and abdominal discomfort, and sets the foundation for proper muscle tone and sensory processing skills all of which are necessary for a happy, healthy tummy time experience.