The Moro reflex is named after the Austrian pediatrician Ernst Moro (1874 - 1951). In addition to the discovery of the Moro reflex, we owe him many discoveries about nutrition and the digestive system. The Moro reflex is one of the first to develop in the mother's womb and is naturally integrated around the age of 3-4 months.

Observation

In infants, this reflex can be observed in the event of a fall or a sudden change in the position of the head in relation to the rest of the body. This stimulus triggers the two phases of the reflex which follow each other:

1. The opening (or disorganization) is expressed by the extension of the legs and arms in relation to the trunk. With its limbs in a star shape, the baby is looking for points of attachment.
2. The closing follows the first phase and is characterized by an adduction and closing of the limbs. The baby is then in a ball-shape position.

It is advisable to take the baby in your arms and to hold him or her close to you after any stimulation of the Moro to calm the baby.

Consequences of non-integration

The Moro being the stress reflex par excellence, the consequences of non-integration are numerous and apply to all three spheres:

• on the physical sphere: inability to roll backwards, rigidity (even pain) in the cervicals, hypertonia of the posterior chain...
• on the cognitive sphere: involves excessive control of the environment, rigidity with regard to rules, etc
• on the emotional sphere: leads to excessive stress or poor management of it, favours control over the environment, impacts self-confidence...

However, the presence of the reflex can also have some positive points. Since the Moro favours the control of the environment in order to avoid any unexpected stress, its presence can help some people to organize themselves and follow a precise schedule. In this case, the reflex is no longer a handicap but a real resource. Some professionals think that the Moro can reappear in stressful situations (at school) to help the child to better follow the rules and conform to a routine.

Integration exercises

The most effective exercise to integrate the Moro reflex is "the flower":

1. The departure is done in ball on the back: legs raised and crossed, arms crossed on the chest, head retracted and retroverted basin.
2. Slowly extend your arms and legs away from your trunk, with your head tilted back and your pelvis anteverted so that your body forms a star.
3. Return calmly to ball position 1.

The flower allows you to reproduce the Moro movement in a controlled and relaxed environment. The exercise can be repeated 3-4 times a day. A standing version also exists. The ball start is done in a crouch and the star position is done standing with arms and legs apart, head slightly tilted back.

Paul Landon and Ludivine Baudry have published this excellent video about the flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BhTzNcj2ao

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