

10. Tummy Time, Co-Regulation, and Retained Reflexes with Physical Therapist Stephanie Novacek
- In this episode, physical therapist Stephanie Novacek (@wellbellybabe) and I talk about infant assessment skills, the vagus nerve, and the importance of co-regulation between mom and baby. She walks us through what a wave of therapeutic tummy time looks like and explains what retained reflexes are and how rhythmic movement can help us integrate them. Finally, she and I talk about how moms often want to be seen and heard, too, when they're struggling to help baby resolve something. We both agree that taking care of the mother is taking care of the baby, and it's important for the mother to mother herself as well.
- Toward the end of the episode, Stephanie mentions an upcoming virtual workshop for reflex integration and that is coming up on February 8, 2023 at 8pm CST. You can sign up HERE and it's free!
- If your infant or older child would benefit from Stephanie's Physical Therapy work via Well Bellies and Babies, you can find her info HERE.
- If you live in the Kansas City area and you're interested in her therapeutic nature play school, Well Wilderness info can be found HERE.
- To find a Tummy Time Method provider in your area, you can search HERE. And THIS is Michelle Emmanuel's parent handout that walks you through tummy time at home.
- Finally, you can always find me on Instagram @happy.mama.healthy.baby and on the internet at happymamahealthybaby.co
- In the spirit of Mothering the Mother, check out the Nourished Mother bundle! Two recipe books, snack and meal planning guides, and quick in-the-moment nervous system regulation hacks for overstimulated moms HERE!
**This podcast is for educational purposes only! The opinions of myself or my guests are never meant to replace individual medical advice. Please practice informed consent with your mom intuition and your care team.**
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