It can be hard to know what is going on with your child. And sometimes? The vagus nerve is only part of the picture.
It is really hard to navigate dysregulation, in yourself and your kids. ESPECIALLY when you’re doing your best to remain calm, hold space for them, and be the gentle parent you wished for yourself.
Introducing.. Primitive Reflexes
Primitive reflexes are reflexes that all humans are born with. These reflexes are designed to support a baby’s survival - from the womb, through the birth, and into the first year of their life.
They generally should be integrated by 12 months of age, if not sooner. And this occurs in a sequential manner that is parallel to motor milestones such as rolling, crawling, and sitting unassisted.
Once I have worked with the vagus nerve in my practice, the next biggest thing that I see that impacts a child’s development is how many reflexes they have retained, and this is why I’m so passionate about sharing the message around primitive reflexes
This course will teach you how to assess primitive reflexes in yourself and your children, and is applicable to anyone who can walk.
"Babies are supposed to outgrow their primitive reflexes by the end of the first year. However, in some children they linger longer... this can throw off the timing for (brain) development & is an early symptom of problems to come." - Dr Robert Melillo.
In this primitive reflex course..
You will learn:
What are primitive reflexes?
Why are they important?
How to check primitive reflexes in yourself and your children
What it can mean for your child’s development, in particular their neurodevelopment
What it can mean for your ability to cope with stress as a parent right now, and what it means for your child’s stress resilience
You will finish the course:
With a clear understanding of primitive reflexes
An understanding of where your child is currently at, and what you can do to support them moving forward
An understanding of your own nervous system [if you’re assessing yourself too]
And a clear plan to help your/your child’s nervous system integrate the reflexes
You will have lifetime access to this course. This means that when you reassess your child and their primitive reflexes have improved, you can move onto the next step based on the sequential nature of primitive reflex integration
There are no live calls associated with the course however, one-on-one, calls can be arranged at an additional fee to support you in creating a primitive reflex plan [scroll to the bottom for contact option]
What you will get as part of this course:
You will receive:
One module on brain development
One module on the vagus nerve, regulation, and the stress response [and how it links to primitive reflexes]
One module on primitive reflexes and motor milestones that would indicate normal brain development
Modules on 9 of the most common primitive reflexes, learning what it looks like when they’re retained, what behaviour that can translate into and tips to test it, and methods to integrate it:
Moro / Startle
Fear paralysis reflex
ATNR
STNR
TLR
Palmar reflex
Babinski reflex
Rooting reflex
Spinal galants
One module on core strength and vestibular function, which assist in integration of movement and optimal brain development
Plus..
We will also discuss realistic expectations of how long it will take to integrate primitive reflexes in each in individual children, depending on different presentations
You will get a Facebook group to ask me questions, however, I can’t give individual consults. I will guide as best I can to that out a boundary of free advice.
You will have the option to pay extra for a one on one online consult. Once you’ve completed the course so that we can make a plan together based on your child or your presentation.
All the information you need to set you and your family on a path to holistic health – at an accessible, lifetime access price.
$349
Hi, I’m Carrie
I’m a chiropractor, applied kinesiologist and vagus nerve educator with a special interest in treating the vagus nerve in children.
I’ve been practising chiropractic for over 12 years, and am Perth’s only integrative neuroimmunology trained practitioner.
On top of that I’m a HeartMath-certified practitioner, with intensive post grad training in paediatrics AND have travelled around the country teaching other chiropractors how to work with children.
In my most recent years I’ve been delving more into what helps children stay regulated, develop their brains optimally, and live a healthy life.
You could say I know what’s involved in developing holistic health habits and optimising brain development in children.
Which is why I’ve created this course.
Helping parents raise healthy children is my passion. I’ve worked with hundreds of women and their children in my clinic in Perth, Western Australia – and now it’s my mission to reach even more families.
Because sometimes, this kind of resource isn’t accessible to all families and the sheer amount of information out there means you need additional support in this area. Someone to highlight all the important information you need and break it down into practical steps for you to implement at your own pace, so you see results without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’ve wondered if your child’s vagus nerve is causing some dysregulation for them [or yourself], then you might also like to read below about the brainstem, vagus nerve, and primitive reflexes. As often times it’s not JUST the vagus [though if you have been following me a while, you know I love the vagus nerve!].
A little more on the vagus nerve and primitive reflexes..
Inside the brainstem sits the Vagus Nerve, but also in that same area of the brain stem sits the nerves that control these reflexes. The more the brain develops, the more it inhibits, or stops these reflexes from happening. Because the Vagus Nerve inserts into the same area of the brain. It’s a fair assumption to have that if the Vagus nerve isn’t functioning properly or at its optimal that perhaps some of the other nerves near the brainstem are also not functioning at their most optimal.
Movement is what drives higher brain development, and motor milestones/movement comes before talking in babies. So really, optimal movement, and optimal integration of primitive reflexes is required for any higher cognitive functions such as speaking, understanding language, comprehension, maths, social engagements, etc.
This is what has brought me to teach others about primitive reflexes, because ultimately we want your child’s brainstem to develop as optimal as possible, so that they higher centres such as their pre-frontal cortex where they do all of their thinking activities starts to function as best as it possibly can.
This course is not for you if:
You don’t have the capacity to do an online course i.e. watch all the videos and have the time and energy investment to really implement the information.
If you’ve had any traumatic brain injury or stroke or you have any other form of neuro, degenerative, or genetic brain condition, you may not get the results that you’re seeking.
Under 12 months of age - while we can support your baby in integrating the reflexes as they are developing so at the appropriate times of their brain development, this course is mostly designed to support people who feel that some reflexes have been retained in themselves or their children.
If you aren’t sure if the course is right for you, please send us an email via the form below and we can support you.
If you’re looking for tailored one on one support, email us via the form below and we will get back to you when we can.
Your questions answered
How long do I get access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to the course so you can keep using it a reference for you child.
Can I ask you questions?
Yes, I will make a Facebook group so you can ask questions and share your experiences with other mums.
Is this course suitable for professionals?
No, this course is aimed at parents and children for personal use. It is not suitable for applying to patients or clients.
Does the course included one on one assistance?
No the course does not include consults but you can access further one on one assistance at an extra fee.
Can I get a refund?
Due to the course being digital and all modules immediately accessible, there are no refunds. However if you're really unhappy we would love to have a conversation with you.