8. Are Primitive Reflexes Really to Blame? Busting Baby Development Myths with SLP & Feeding Expert, Bri Miluk

Today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood & controversial topics circulating on social media right now — primitive reflexes. I’m joined by Bri Miluk, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in infant and medically complex feeding and is the face behind @pediatricfeedingslp.

In this first episode of our two-part conversation, Bri and I unpack what primitive reflexes actually are, what purpose they serve, and why there’s so much misinformation online about them.

We start by defining primitive reflexes — are they real? What role do they play in your baby’s early development? We’ll talk through common reflexes you’ve probably noticed, how they support survival at birth, and how they naturally integrate as your baby grows.

Bri and I also explore what happens when these reflexes don’t integrate or fail to emerge, and what that might mean for your child’s development. We discuss why parents should be cautious when it comes to “retained primitive reflex” content on social media, especially when it comes to testing and treatment claims that aren’t supported by research.

Bri shares her expert insight on the risks of non-evidence-based interventions, how to assess whether a treatment plan is legitimate, and the importance of task-specific, functional movement when supporting your child’s development.

If you’ve ever come across posts claiming your child’s challenges are due to “retained primitive reflexes,” this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface — and empower you to ask the right questions before pursuing any intervention.

Connect with Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricfeedingslp

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