swaddle series — why are parents guided to swaddle?

why are parents guided to swaddle?

swaddling reinforces a sympathetic-dominant state.

when we talk sympathetic, think: mobilization, hyper-vigilance, bracing for impact, increase in cortisol.

let’s talk about how we shift out of mobilization and transition gently into our bodies after birth.

there are three parts to our autonomic nervous system, the part of our nervous system that runs the show below our conscious and voluntary control.

1. DORSAL VAGAL
•most primitive in nature, forming at 4-6 weeks in utero.
•responsible for slowing of organs and systems
•this system is dominant until the sympathetics form between 14-16 weeks in utero, maturing by week 30.

2. SYMPATHETICS
•cues for us to mobilize
•responsible for increase in heart rate, pulse, and shunting of blood to limbs
•dominant in the birth process
•continued unchecked dominance is responsible for hyperactive moro reflex
•when dominant, will alter ability to coordinate healing, growth, and restoration

3. VENTRAL VAGAL
• “playful vagal”
•necessary for healing, growth, restoration
•allows to perceive, detect, embody safety
•controls 80% of motor + sensory for suck-swallow-breathe (tongue, mouth, throat, vocal cords)
•reaches maturation 4-6 months after birth (it takes time to myelinate)

when we keep our babies swaddled, we reinforce the dominance of the sympathetic system by not allowing for the completion of the cycle in a way that encourages safety, regulation, and support.

a great way to support the integration of the startle / moro reflex?

•skin and skin
•co-sleeping

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sources:
•the symphony of reflexes by bonnie brandes
•polyvagal theory by stephen porges