Wow we were in like a lion with topics this first week for my baby-led sleep and well being specialist certification. I learned so much but in the big picture I have SO MUCH more to learn. I feel energized. I feel internal affirmations that keep me motivated and confirm that what I am taking on is worth the challenge.
In summary of some of my takeaways this week:
A baby’s stress reactivity is set in the first year of life and how you respond to their signals helps set their path for adulthood. Mama and baby share an inter-brain and mama - it's for a good reason; you help calm babe’s brain.
This entire sensory processing subject was fascinating. I listened to pediatric occupational therapy professionals discuss sensory processing differences, learned the area of the brain it affects (amygdala) and the two additional parts of the brain that can help calm sensory processing when stressed (thalamus and the right orbitofrontal cortex). There are 3 senses that I never knew about (I only knew the 5) that play a huge role in this topic. Vestibular which is your balance; Proprioceptive which is your muscles, joints, body awareness, the mouth is a big input channel here; and Introception which is all of our organs, how we can feel we are thirsty, hungry, sleepy, awake.
Around sensory processing I understand Highly Sensitive Individuals is not some random name to describe someone who is being generally sensitive. There are legitimate sensory processing differences that occur within.
I am starting to have ‘ah-ha’ moments during this journey. All sensory inputs at the end of the day when we lay our head down and (hope to) sleep, can affect our sleep. Since sensory inputs tie into baby’s night and sleep, this further reinforces that one-size-fits-all advice or a book does not fit all when it comes to all of us as individuals including babe. In fact, that one size someone recommended could be even more damaging to babe's brain depending on their sensory differences.
We all likely have sensory quirks but if one is impacting or preventing you from accomplishing a day to day type of function, a pediatric occupational therapist can help identify any that exist and help you navigate.
This is just a fraction of what I have taken in this week and I love it! I look forward to sharing more. Image is a post from occupational therapist @OTmomdiaries on Facebook, read her post here.
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