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Today we’re continuing our world of reflexes series. I started learning about reflexes in 2006 and it helped explain what I was seeing in children all the time. Reflexes are a vital piece of development but if they don’t integrate properly, they can cause major problems. Even if reflexes do integrate properly, they can reemerge at any time. Today I’ll be talking about what I call the “enchilada of all reflexes” – the Moro reflex. If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while, then you’ve heard me talk about the Moro reflex before, but it deserved a chance to finally have its own episode.
The Moro reflex (also known as the startle reflex) comes into play at only 9 weeks gestation, is fully present at birth and in newborns, but should be fully integrated by about four months postnatal. This reflex activates three things – arousal, CO2/O2, and the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight or flight response. The Moro reflex is tied to every one of our senses and happens anytime we have a fight or flight reaction. In this episode, I’ll give you a detailed overview of what the Moro reflex is and why it’s so important, but I’ll also take a close look at what happens if this reflex is retained, signs you or someone you know might be living with a retained Moro reflex, and how that might be impacting your life. I actually call myself a “recovered Moro” as I realized that I was living with a retained Moro reflex. Learning what was going on and reintegrating this reflex totally changed my world and I hope this episode will help you change yours too!
In this episode, we cover:
- The importance of the Moro reflex
- What a Moro response looks like
- Signs you might be holding onto your Moro reflex
- Long term effects of a retained Moro reflex
Resources mentioned:
- Follow Connect My Brain on YouTube
- Follow Dr. Laura Hanson on YouTube *NEW*
- Dr. Laura’s new location, Brain & Body Rehabilitation Specialists
- Download Dr. Laura’s guide to Developmental Milestones (it’s free!)
- Connect with Dr. Laura on Instagram and Facebook
- Liking the show? Write a review!
More about Connect My Brain:
Why is this happening to my kid and what can I do about it? If you’re the parent of a developmentally delayed child, you’ve probably asked this question more than once. That’s where I come in! I’m Dr. Laura Hanson and I specialize in identifying the “why” and telling you the “what.” Join me every Thursday for a deeper look at how our brains are wired and how to get the most out of your mind. Are you looking to break negative patterns, overcome mood disorders, or optimize your potential? Maybe your child struggles with ADHD, OCD or other learning difficulties. Tune in to Connect My Brain, where I explain concepts like biofeedback and neurofeedback, brainwave frequencies, and much more. Let me help you change your life by changing your mind! Contact me HERE.
