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Why do some kids sail through development while others struggle with anxiety, sensory overwhelm, ADHD, or learning challenges? Often, the answer traces back to something almost nobody talks about: primitive reflexes that never fully integrated — and the risk factors that get in their way.
Host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Emily Roper, Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, & founder of Early Roots, to unpack what derails reflex integration — starting as early as five weeks after conception through pregnancy, birth, & the first year. Emily also hosts The Early Roots Podcast.
This conversation is for expectant parents, new parents, birth workers, and anyone parenting a struggling child — not to create guilt, but to build awareness and offer a path forward.
What We Cover:
Time Stamps:
02:04 What's the biggest reason primitive reflexes don't integrate?
06:00 Should parents feel guilty about retained reflexes?
09:09 Why is reflex integration often overlooked in the healthcare system?
11:32 How does maternal stress affect reflex development?
14:21 Which pregnancy factors impact primitive reflexes?
16:13 How does the womb environment shape reflex development?
18:00 Do twins & IVF babies need extra developmental support?
21:00 Which birth scenarios are linked to retained reflexes?
23:00 What are the risk factors for cesarean birth affecting the baby’s nervous system?
29:00 Do inductions, epidurals, & assisted births affect reflexes?
32:42 Can difficult births affect reflexes later?
34:26 Why is the 4th trimester critical for reflex integration?
38:00 Why does early connection with mom matter for reflex integration?
41:14 How should parents approach feeding & reflex challenges?
44:09 How does postpartum stress impact the baby?
46:12 How does movement shape a baby’s brain & body?
48:49 Why are tummy time & crawling so important?
Contact Emily Roper
Instagram.com/earlyroots
Facebook.com/earlyroots
About Emily Roper
Emily Roper is a Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, the founder of Early Roots, and a certified midwife’s assistant. Roper supports children with developmental delays. She has over a decade of experience with neurodivergent children and has attended more than 600 births. Through her work and podcast, she teaches how early experiences shape cognitive and nervous system development.
About Fledglings' Flight:
At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth & learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development. With our user-friendly app, parents & caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs.
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