mense, maar ek is werklik BAIE BEINDRUK met die wyse ...€¦ · 6 Claudia Els Fairland, Gauteng...

1

Mar

ch M

arch

Mar

ch M

arch

Mar

ch

Lovely Instructor

feedback:

“Ek wil net vir julle

komplimenteer met hierdie puik

Administrasie! Ek werk met baie

mense, maar ek is werklik BAIE

BEINDRUK met die wyse waarop

BabaGim se admin werk! Die hele

lisensie ooreenkoms het 100%

vlot verloop, sonder enige ” hick-

ups”! En so is ook alle ander

admin! Dis so lekker om te kan

weet dat ek deel is van hierdie

ABSOLUTE PUIK

ORGANISASIE!!! Ek is baie trots

op julle, en dis `n plesier om saam

met julle te werk!” Dezi van Zyl,

Vanderbijlpark

Thank you Dezi, such feedback is

always welcome and helps us to

know what works well!

More Instructor feedback:

“Hierdie is een van my baba’s in my klas, Aidan Paolo hy is die oulikste sprankelendste seuntjie en vreeslik Ascani,

sterk. Mamma en Pappa speel baie lekker saam hom en ek kon sien hierdie mannetjie word oorlaai met liefde! Iets omtrent sy voetjies het my oog gevang; dit het byna gelyk of sy tone aan die grond vasklou en wanneer hy gekruip het was sy voedjies na binne gedraai.

Ek het gevra dat die ouers die voet- en been massering so

gereeld moontlik herhaal. Hy is ‘n ouer baba en dit was ‘n

uitdaging om die BabaGim massering en oefeninge op die

besige mannetjie toe te pas. Mamma en Pappa het daarna

vir my ‘n video gestuur, hy kan nou mooi stil staan sonder

om om te val of aan iets vas te hou!” Brenize Coetzer,

Centurion

Dear Melodie, My eldest daughter Amy Rae Bradley is dancing with the Joburg Ballet Company in their production of Coppelia this week. I am the proudest parent ever and it feels like my baby has just reached a major milestone. Truly is amazing seeing her at The Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre and the tears just flow every time I look at her name in the programme and see her step onto the stage. What a wonderful achievement Joanne & Amy Rae, so proud of you!

2

More Good News!

We are about to launch a new publication

called MamaMagic Milestones, the first issue

of which will be out in May. Attached is the

cover page mock up. While we have always

had a magazine at our show (MamaMagic, The

Baby Expo) incorporated into the show guide,

we are now taking it to the next level as an

independent publication. This will be done in

partnership with Baby City, and the result will

be an 80 page glossy magazine, packed with

topical news, advice, tips and inspirational

stories for pregnant parents and those with

children aged 0 – 4 years. 50 000 copies will be

printed on a quarterly basis, and distributed

free of charge through Baby City stores

nationwide, as well as distributed directly to

selected clinics and at our MamaMagic expo.

Since the above email I have spoken some

more to our Director, Projeni, and she is very

keen to have Melodie as a regular contributor

for Milestones because she has so much

knowledge and expertise to share. We have

four sections to the magazine: Pregnancy

(pregnant mums and newborns), Baby (up to

24 months), Toddler (2-4 years) and Family.

We suspect that Melodie would be able to

contribute different articles relevant to each of

these different sections…

Visit your nearest Baby City in May… Melodie’s first article for this publication is titled:

MILESTONES what is the fuss about?

Excerpt: But what is the fuss about? Is your baby missing out,

slow or even deprived if you cannot share a similar accomplishment? The pressure to perform is nothing new, but it may be wise to question our attitude to early milestone performances. Yes, it is wonderful when a baby can walk, talk and, in time, build puzzles, but reaching a milestone should not be the focus; rather the focus should be on baby developing at his or her own pace within the guidelines for each milestone.

Melodie on Radio RSG:

Steeds 'n vuurwarm onderwerp...

Is LOOPRINGE voordelig of skadelik vir ‘n baba se ontwikkeling?

Luister na Dr Melodie de Jager se opinie...

Volg die skakel: http://www.rsg.co.za/potgooi-soek.asp en sleutel

in 'Is loopringe voordelig of skadelik vir ‘n baba se ontwikkeling'

OUERTERUGVOER:

Die toegewyde Mamma

en Baba het BabaGim

2:Ferm Grondslag en die

Sit-klas met BabaGim

Instrukteur, Lelani Brand-

Labuschagne, in

Potchefstroom voltooi:

"Hi Lelani! Kyk hoe mooi

sit Marilet! Die juffrou by

die skool sê sy het nog

nooit 'n kind van haar

ouderdom gesien wat so

sterk is nie! Dankie

BabaGim!"

http://www.rsg.co.za/potgooi-soek.asp

http://www.rsg.co.za/potgooi.asp

3

BabyGym statistics, license renewals and resignations

2013/2014 was another great year of BabyGym. Here are a few statistics that shows how BabyGym was represented, mostly in Southern Africa, throughout the year 2013/2014: REGISTRATIONS BabyGym 1 97 BabyGym 2 1770 Community Service 84 Special Needs 29 Friends 236 Total number of BabyGym clients 2216 Natural Births vs Caesarean Births BabyGym 1 Natural Births 55.67% Caesarean Births 40.21% BabyGym 2 Natural Births 25.25% Caesarean Births 74.18% With/ without Medical Conditions *Medical Conditions such as: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Premature, Spina

Bifida, Other

BabyGym 2 With Medical Conditions 3.67% Without medical conditions 95.76% Community Service With Medical Conditions 13.1% Without medical conditions 80.95% Special Needs With Medical Conditions 100% Without medical conditions 0%

0

500

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Number of registrations

Number ofregistrations

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BabyGym 1 BabyGym 2

Natural Birth

Caesarean Birth

0

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BabyGym 2 CommunityService

SpecialNeeds

With MedicalCondition

Without MedicalCondition

High Score BabyGym 2!

High Score Caesarean

Birth!

High Score Without Medical

Condition!

4

Male vs Female Births BabyGym 2 Male 52.99% Female 46.44% Community Service Male 57.14% Female 42.86% Special Needs Male 51.72% Female 48.28% English vs Afrikaans registrations BabyGym 1 English 38.08% Afrikaans 63.92% BabyGym 2 English 49.77% Afrikaans 49.66% Community Service English 71.43% Afrikaans 28.57% Special Needs English 51.72% Afrikaans 48.28%

REGISTRATIONS Institute TOTAL Highest Scorer(s)!

BabyGym 1 97 Anneke Erasmus (17) BabyGym 2 1770 Anneke Erasmus (113) Special Needs 29 Anneke Erasmus (13) Community Service 84 Riette Wilken (25) Friends 236 Carol Maseko (25)

0

200

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1000

BabyGym 2 CommunityService

Special Needs

Male

Female

0

200

400

600

800

1000

English

Afrikaans

High Score Male

Births!

High Score English clients!

Highest Scorers!

5

Overall most registrations Anneke Erasmus (157)

BUBBLE POINTS Institute TOTAL Highest Scorer(s)!

Category A Training 356 Points Dr Melodie de Jager (90) Category B Literature studies 390 Points Lizette Smit & (40) Jo-Marie vdM Bothma (40) Category C Marketing & Activities 1910 Points Lynette van Wyk & (90) Marietjie van Wyk (90) Category D Continuous service 2084 Points Anneke Erasmus (115)

Overall most points Joanne Bradley (210)

Highest Scorers!

WELL DONE!

WELL DONE!

6

Number of students that qualified in 2013: 30

Date Instructor Operating area

1 19/02/2013 Santel Malan Bedford, Eastern Cape

2 25/02/2013 Annemie Higgs Windhoek, Namibia

3 01/03/2013 Cozette de Jager Linden, Gauteng

4 01/03/2013 Yone de la Torre Spain

5 06/03/2013 Marisa Beukes Ellisras, Limpopo

6 14/03/2013 Bronwyn Matthews Durban North, KZN

7 18/04/2013 Carmen van der Merwe Ruimsig, Gauteng

8 24/04/2013 Dezi van Zyl Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng

9 07/05/2013 Cornelia Goddard Ermelo, Mpumalanga

10 03/06/2013 Tracey Rudd Vereeniging, Gauteng

11 15/07/2013 Claudia Lessmann Wynberg, Western Cape

12 15/07/2013 Nalize Roetz Lydenburg, Mpumalanga

13 15/07/2013 Ilze Roth Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

14 15/07/2013 Ansie Nel Vereeniging, Gauteng

15 15/07/2013 Lelani Brand-Labuschagne Potchefstroom, North West

16 17/07/2013 Marietjie van den Berg Witbank, Mpumalanga

17 18/07/2013 Mandri Olivier Ermelo, Mpumalanga

18 23/07/2013 Elaine Swanepoel Brackenfell, Western Cape

19 03/09/2013 Lusya Smith Saxonwold, Gauteng

20 30/09/2013 Lyn Wade Pietermaritzburg, KZN

21 07/10/2013 Liezl Blom Robin Hills, Gauteng

22 09/10/2013 Sigrid Horsthemke Windhoek, Namibia

23 09/10/2013 Cynthia de Smit Windhoek, Namibia

24 09/10/2013 Michelle Joan Beeker Rundu, Namibia

25 28/10/2013 Zeenat Sirkhot Vereeniging, Namibia

26 04/12/2013 Christine Bauermeister Garsfontein, Gauteng

27 10/12/2013 Micha Coetzee Somerset West, Western Cape

28 11/12/2013 Chantelle Joubert-Kaal Bothasig, Western Cape

29 11/12/2013 Charlene Griessel Tzaneen, Limpopo

30 13/12/2013 Annelize Jonker Parklands Western Cape

Number of students qualified so far this year (2014): 2

1 12/02/2014 Tanya Schoeman Bloemfontein, Free State

2 24/02/2014 Karien Snyman Silver Lakes, Gauteng

7

Number of current students: 12

1 Adrie Stoker Hartbeespoortdam, North West

2 Carmen Nagel Upington, Northern Cape

3 Diamari Schoeman Bloemfontein, Free State

4 Lizel Cumming Randburg, Gauteng

5 Marlize Coetzee Milnerton, Western Cape

6 Michelle du Plessis Randburg, Gauteng

7 Prinisha Penta Randburg, Gauteng

8 Rentia de Swardt Centurion, Gauteng

9 Ronel Labuschagne Bloemfontein, Free State

10 Sanett Oosthuizen Knysna, Western Cape

11 Sonja Basson Boston, Western Cape

12 Tamsyn Gazis Lonehill, Gauteng

Number of qualified Instructors after 1 March 57

10

At this time of year we also have to say goodbye to colleagues (who have become friends over the years) and that is never easy... We thank each of these resigned BabyGym Instructors for their enormous efforts as we know that each Instructor has made a difference and touched the bodies, hearts and minds of many BabyGym babies, caregivers and parents... may they continue the good work in a new phase of their lives.

1 Annemie Higgs Windhoek, Namibia

2 Anneke Noeth Weltevredenpark, Gauteng

3 Carmen van der Merwe Ruimsig, Gauteng

4 Caroline Yelverton Edenvale, Gauteng

5 Claudette Hasenjager Bloemfontein, Free State

6 Claudia Els Fairland, Gauteng

7 Claudia Lessmann Wynberg, Cape Town

8 Debbie Farham Craighall Park, Gauteng

9 Elaine Swanepoel Brackenfell, Western Cape

10 Fawzia Ghanchi Benoni, Gauteng

11 Jocelyn Purchase Blaauwberg, Western Cape

12 Marisa Beukes Ellisras, Limpopo

13 Nalize Roets Lydenburg, Limpopo

14 Sigrid Hortsthemke Windhoek, Namibia

15 Simone Horrell Bedfordview, Gauteng

16 Tania Spies Queenswood, Gauteng

BabyGym International: https://www.babygyminstitute.com/index.php

Isidro Garcia Getino holds the Spanish version of Dr Melodie de Jager’s book ‘brain

development MILESTONES and learning’!

Isidro and Melodie’s paths crossed a couple of years ago when they happened to sit next

to each other at a conference. That chance meeting was the beginning of Mind Moves and

then BabyGym in Spain.

Isidro has been a wonderful Teacher, Mentor and ambassador of Babygym and Mind

Moves in Spain and has now completed the great task of translating the book ‘brain

development MILESTONES and learning’ from Enlish to Spanish.

Well done Isisdro, you make BabyGym and Mind Moves accessible to the people of your

counrty & language, thank you!

And she’s done it again!

Dr Melodie de Jager has been named as ‘Partner to Central Universitario Maria Christine &

Primero Professor’ in Madrid, Spain.

This means the Work od Dr Melodie de Jager has been recognised at the University and

that students of the University can study her work and earn a formal tertiary qualification

in the field. What a HUGE milestone Melodie, congratulations!

Thank you to all our fantastic Spanish friends and colleagues who translated the

negotiations & documents and made this dream a reality!

https://www.babygyminstitute.com/index.php

11

Doc Melodie says...

Vraag: Hi Melodie, Ek het ‘n navraag van ‘n mamma wie se 2jarige uit die bloute skielik op haar tone (maar

omgebuig soos ‘n Ballerina/eintlik amper op haar toonnaels) begin loop het. Die dogtertjie doen dit blykbaar vir so

uur en soms meer op ‘n slag. Die mamma wil weet of dit iets is om bekommerd te wees of moet sy gaan ballet

skoene koop Die dogtertjie het BabaGim 2 gedoen, maar die mamma sê sy het nie altyd die masserings ens. met

haar gedoen nie. Het julle dalk enige insigte en raad hieroor? Dankie, Ilze Roth, Port Elizabeth.

Antwoord: Hi Ilze, Soos met enige beweging is daar willekeurige op-die-tone-loop, ‘want ek speel ek is mamma

wat hoë haakskoene dra’ of ONwillekeurige op-die-tone-loop wat beteken my kuite het om een of ander rede opgetrek sodat ek reg is om te: VEG, VLUG of VRIES. As die opgetrekte kuite vir ‘n paar weke duur, verkort die kuitspiere letterlik en dan raak dit baie moeilik om die haak op die grond te kry.

Vanuit ‘n BabaGim perspektief is dit nie ‘n goeie ding nie, want die kuite se spanning/ ontspanning bepaal grootendeels waar die ‘hysbak’ in die brein staan- by die OORLEWINGSBREIN, die omgee EMOSIONELE BREIN of by die slim DINKBREIN. As die hysbak weens verkorte kuitspiere/ geligte hakke by die OORLEWINGSBREIN vashaak, is ‘n kind se kans om sensories maklik oorgestimuleer te raak en dan sommer net huilerig en moeilik te wees, groot. Kort kuite kan ook ‘n groot bydraer wees tot hiperaktiwiteit. Wat is die verband? Die OORLEWINGSBREIN maak al die sintuie gelyk wawydwakker sodat daar ‘n stroom inligting die brein binnestroom wat die kleine breintjie oorweldig. Kleinding voel dan angstig en weens die adrenalin wat deur die are pomp om oorlewing te verseker, beweeg so ‘n kleinding dan baie en al wat leef ‘plak’ ‘n plakker op die voorkop wat sê: HIPERAKTIEF.

Doen gerus die volgende BabaGim-oefeninge om die kuite te ontspan en spiergeheue vir langer kuitspiere te ontwikkel:

-Masseer kuite, BabaGim week 1 se massering -As baba op rug lê, sit jou hande teen voetsole en druk die bal van voet en tone op sodat kuite kan strek -Moedig klim en klouter aan -Stap op sand en in vlak water by die see

Question: H Melodie, I was just wondering about the natural order of babies development: which is from top to

bottom and from inside to outside, Big muscles before small muscles VS with the BabyGym Massage of Week 1, after

doing the body outline and ears, we start at the feet and massage up, and with the toes and fingers and massage in

towards the body and the toes and hands are the small muscles which develop later? I understand that one of the

benefits of the massage is to rid the body from toxins so that is why we massage towards the Lymph glands but for

the rest of the natural development pattern isn't it "upside - down"? I hope that my question is clear, because I am

confusing myself just a little bit Charlene Griessel, Tzaneen.

Answer: What a WONDERFUL question, I love a THINKING instructor! YES – physical development is from top to

bottom (cephalo-caudal) and from inside-out (proximo-distal). When we massage the intention is to develop baby’s

awareness of her whole body, sensing her muscles, creating a body map because the brain can only control what the

brain is aware of, to remove toxins and wastes, improve bonding, etc. The primary reason a BabyGym Instructor

12

offers massage in week 1 is to relax baby. A baby’s face is extremely sensitive because it is part of the TOP–bottom

that develops first. Because the face (and rest of head) is so sensitive, baby gets anxious easily and we do not want

an anxious baby! Why not? An anxious baby stays in the survival brain where bonding, feeding, metabolism,

sleeping, etc is compromised often resulting in reflux, colic and other disturbances to development.

We rub the ears to relax baby and to sensitise the hearing to mom’s voice when she says: I am going to massage you

from top to bottom while her hands trace the outline of baby’s body. When we hold the feet just before we start

massaging it reassures a baby, except a baby who has had many drips put into the feet*. We work from bottom up

win the baby’s trust to allow us to work towards the head with one purpose – to relax baby and to complete the

body map (see brain development MILESTONES & learning for more about the body map).

* a baby, who has many needed but painful experiences with medical procedures (drips inserted, plasters being ripped off,

tubes into different parts of the body, etc.), may avoid touch as much as possible because baby has learned through repeated

intense experiences that touch = pain. It is a BabyGym Instructors job to change the touch = pain association and turn it into a

touch = pleasure. Because the sense of touch is the first of the senses to develop; and because developing senses stimulate the

wiring of the brain, it is extremely important that the first building block in the development of the entire baby is in place and

that touch=pleasure.

Remember: babies who avoid touch, needs it the most?

As a BabyGym Instructor you need to understand this so well that you can encourage a mom with confidence even if her baby

howls when she massages her baby. Only do little bits of the massage at a time and keep on reminding mom she is a good

mommy! Show her the chart of the brain where it shows that every body part is represented in the brain and that massage =

brain development! Reassures her it may take time, but she is helping baby overcome a huge obstacle by persisting with the

massage. Little by little they will get there and baby will thank her for it because she has closed the door to many emotional and

school related challenges with her persistence. Encourage mom during session with an sms/whatsapp/call, this mom needs you.

Be her guide and coach especially when she seems to always find a reason why she is not massaging; why she is not doing the

activities with baby in class, why there is no time to do it at home. Many mommies are terrified of their babies – what they don’t

do in class, the do not do at home.

Be gentle, but be persistent.

VERY IMPORTANT! The venue we booked for the BabyGym Babble has had a change of ownership and is

no longer suitable for our Conference in August. Can we please ask that our Instructors in the Western

Cape help us to find a suitable venue asap?

Requirements are as follow:

+- 50 – 80 Guests R1500.00 per person

2 Nights accommodation Conference facilities

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Coffee and tea Dates are 22- 24 August 2014

13

Brand new features on the BabyGym website!

Click on the image to see more!

Brand new features on the BabyGym Instructors site

BabyGym 1 Multi Choice questionnaire; sign in on the Instructors site and go to ‘downloads”

BabyGym Week 1- 10 Instructor tutorials Sign in on Instructors site and go to ‘tutorials’

BabyGym electronic registrations and orders FAQ below

BabyGym in the media Various television and radio clips about

Dr Melodie de Jager and BabyGym

BabyGym 2 Song & Dance At long last! This link is included in the registration email the parents receive.

https://www.babygym.co.za/media/

https://www.babygym.co.za/video/

https://www.babygym.co.za/XSX/old/bsa/downloads.php

https://www.babygym.co.za/XSX/old/bsa/tutorials_main.php

The process of ordering BabyGym notecards and certificates electronically:

1. Very important! Make sure you select the ELECTRONIC pack option when you register the parent/ baby/ friend

2. They will immediately receive confirmation via email that they have been registered with the BabyGym Institute

of SA

3. Once you have placed your order and paid for it, the BabyGym Institute will release the order as soon as the

payment reflects in the BabyGym Institute’s bank account (within 48 hours, Monday- Friday)

4. As soon as the BabyGym Institute releases the order the client receives an email with the first set of note cards.

The baby’s name and surname will be ‘watermarked’ across the cards like the example below ABCD EFG

5. All note cards and certificates are designed to print to an A4, so the parent/ friend can print at home and bring

to class

6. Thereafter you log onto the Instructors site, select the parent/ baby/ Friend’s name and release the notecards

for every week as necessary

Week 2- 5; you simply press the button e.g Week 2 and the note cards are sent to the relevant parent/ Friend

7. We do not release the cards all at once for a few reasons:

- We want them to focus on the current week’s content only

- The system will only make the certificate available if all 5 weeks cards have been sent; and for that purpose

you need to indicate whether the baby/ Friend has completed all 5 weeks and may receive the certificate

- If all 5 weeks have not been completed you do not issue the BabyGym 2: Firm Foundations certificate.

BabyGym provides practical and stimulating ideas for play time

Michelle Surén-Ahrens

I enrolled for BabyGym with my second son, York, and found the classes were very informative and served as wonderful bonding time for us, he also made a new friend there! Although one shouldn’t compare, my firstborn Cuán reached all his milestones easily and quickly and I expected the same for York, but it didn’t happen that way. BabyGym helped me to understand the different stages of baby development and that reaching milestones quicker is not necessarily better; our BabyGym Instructor referred me to the milestone "timeline" provided in the BabyGym Book and I was reassured that York was developing well. With little time to experiment daily, I could quickly refer to the BabyGym note cards and do a few BabyGym exercises. I unfortunately only attended BabyGym with my second son, but I was able to go home after class and do some of the exercises with his older brother too. We involved older brother Cuán when doing BabyGym exercises with York; Cuán was able to help us with the vestibular and balance activities in Week 2 of BabyGym. He often pulled York on a towel around the house and he also helped us to swing his brother; interestingly enough Cuán never enjoyed swinging before but he does now, so I’m sure his balance system was developed in the process too. In the beginning it was difficult to explain to Cuán that he needs to wait his turn for the massage / BabyGym exercises but he is now able to wait and understands that we make turns. Similarly, York didn’t enjoy tummy time at first but I knew that it was necessary for his future development and we persisted. I still LOVE the BabyGym massage most, and so do my two boys! I enjoy playing with my boys and playing in a stimulating way is much easier since we’ve done the BabyGym programme; a ball, towel and some imagination goes a long way! I would like to thank our BabyGym Instructor Margit Reiff, I will always be grateful to her, not just for the BabyGym content but for the way she presented it too.

©BabyGym Institute: JOHANNESBURG 2014 1

The concept of neurodevelopmental delay

Jo-Marie van der Merwe Bothma

Locomotor development refers to changes in children’s mastery of mobility. The developmental sequence begins

with natural and unplanned arm and leg movements during the foetal and newborn periods, followed by rolling,

crawling and other idiosyncratic forms of prone (flat or horizontal) progression through the first year of life. Babies

then starts pulling themselves up to stand, later balancing upright, then walking at the end of the first year of life;

and finally mastering running, jumping, and more sophisticated forms of mobility.

Figure 1 provides a brief overview of the phases of motor development across the lifespan.

Figure 1 Phases of Motor Behaviour (Gabbard, 1992:12)

“…those changes that arguably reflect the

emergence of some more complex or more

integrated system or structure.”

(Bee, 2000:17)

“…the developmental process is continuous

and observable from conception to the final

stage in human life.”

(Gabbard, 1992:5)


The Reflexive / Spontaneous Movement Phase

Motor development does not begin at the time of birth; rather it has its origins in the prenatal period in the form of

motor reflexes (Gabbard, 1992; Nevid, 2007). Initially, newborn babies have little control over their body and all

essential movements made are reflexes. Reflexes are involuntary (not within conscious control) movements

dependent on spinal-cord functions; and are automatic responses to particular stimuli such as sound, light, touch, or

body position (Gabbard, 1992; Meggitt, 2006; Nevid, 2007; Kolb & Whishaw, 2009).

Primitive reflexes are controlled primarily by the lower brain centres (subcortical or primitive areas) and emulate the

relative immaturity of the NS (nervous system). These reflexes are present at birth, are hard-wired into the

brainstem and are inhibited by higher centres in the developing brain in approximately the first six months of

postnatal life (Goddard, 2009). During the first six months to one year, babies exhibit many reflexes while the

neuromuscular system matures. Primitive reflexes start a gradual process of inhibition by higher centres in the brain

as neurological connections to these higher centres develop. Motor development only occurs once children gain

cortical (higher brain centre) control over the movements of their bodies. As the cerebral cortex matures, most of

these temporary primitive reflexes gradually become inhibited and phased out as voluntary motor behaviour takes

over (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010). Postural reflexes then enter the infant’s repertoire and support the child’s ability to

react to gravitational forces and changes in equilibrium to maintain posture and balance (Gabbard, 1992; Goddard,

2009). Postural reflexes only develop after birth and take up to three-and-a-half years to fully develop (Goddard,

2009).

Why are reflexes so important? They play a role in stimulating the CNS (central nervous system) and muscles, developing and strengthening the

neurological pathways, supporting nerve myelination, and infant survival (e.g., sucking). They may also be used as a

diagnostic tool for assessing neurological maturity. The reflex structure provides the correct blueprint for a complex

network of wiring from one system in the body to another. If this is disrupted, then subsequent motor and sensory

functions may be affected, altering the way the messages will travel in the body. This immaturity in the functioning

of the CNS can interfere with optimal cortical functioning.

De Jager (2006) believes that most reflexes are specifically ‘designed’ to have a limited lifespan. She adds that each

primitive reflex is supposed to disappear once its role in developing the CNS is completed. This should happen to

allow the higher order centers (cortical areas) of the brain to take control. Each reflex appears at a certain time,

completes its purpose and is then inhibited by developing higher areas of the brain (integrated into the brain).


Reflexes are the movement patterns that help babies reach their milestones of rolling, sitting, crawling and walking.

Each of these milestones is a sign that the brain is developing higher levels, enabling these functions. The inhibition

of reflexes occurs when the first function ceases through the development of another function. The first function

becomes integrated in the second, and the suppression of a reflex frequently correlates with the acquisition of a new

skill. Nevid (2007) agrees and elaborates that the presence and later disappearance of particular reflexes at

expected periods of time are taken as signs of normal neurological development. The muscles that move with each

reflex cause neural pathways to be activated, which in turn lay down more myelin and sprout more dendrites and

axon terminals (Bothma, 2012).

Figure 2 Primitive Reflex Profile (Goddard, 1996:3)

Figure 2 traces the emergence and inhibition of some of the primitive reflexes.

What is meant by the term: “neurodevelopmental delay”? Goddard (2005; 2009) describes neurodevelopmental delay as the continued presence of a cluster of primitive

reflexes (aberrant reflexes) beyond the age of six months, together with absent or underdeveloped postural reflexes

above the age of three-and-a-half years. Rarely will a single aberrant reflex by itself indicate neurodevelopmental

delay. It is only when a cluster exists that neurodevelopmental delay is present (Goddard, 2005). More recently,

Goddard (2011) has referred to this delay as neuro-motor immaturity. The presence or absence of primitive and

postural reflexes at key stages in a child’s development therefore provides a glimpse into the structural and

functional integrity of the hierarchy of the brain. Primitive reflexes are thus important indicators of the health of the


CNS (Meggitt, 2006; Goddard, 2009). If primitive reflexes thus persist beyond an expected time, it may not only

indicate a delay in development, but also be diagnostic of immaturity in the functioning of the CNS, which can

interfere with optimal cortical functioning, and will influence the development and control of posture, balance, and

motor skills. When aberrant primitive reflexes remain, the fundamental tools vital for learning will be ineffective

despite adequate intellectual ability. It is not uncommon among elementary school children with learning and

behaviour problems to still present with primitive reflexes (Bothma, 2012). It appears as if later skills, instead of

becoming automatic, may only be mastered through continuous conscious effort. Postural reflexes are mediated

from the level of the midbrain, and their development thus signifies the active involvement of higher brain

structures over brainstem activity. The development of postural reflexes is thus a sign of increased CNS maturity.

When the CNS is functioning well, the cortex is free to concentrate on higher functions being involved in intention

and motor planning.

The difficulties associated with neurodevelopmental delay are not confined to the childhood years. As a child grows

up the NS continues to develop and change. If problems related to aberrant primitive reflexes are not corrected

during childhood, the associated problems tend to grow up with that child, like traits woven into the fabric of the

personality. Abnormal primitive and postural weaknesses represent a structural weakness in the functioning of the

CNS and can continue to undermine performance and diminish resilience to certain types of stress later in life. This

may show itself in numerous ways, such as a low tolerance threshold for stress, anxiety or phobias (Goddard, 2009).

With the above context as background, an understanding of aberrant reflexes is not only important to indicate

neurodevelopmental delay, but also provides valuable insight into another important reason why attending the

BabyGym® 2: Firm Foundations programme is so crucial to advocate amongst every new (and 2nd time!) mommy.

This belief rests on the observation that all human babies make certain stereotyped movements during the first

year of life, and the BabyGym® programme not only encourages unhampered movement, but also facilitates the

inhibition of primitive reflexes.

Bothma, J.V.D.M. 2012. A neurodevelopmental movement programme for 4-8 year old hearing impaired children in the rural QwaQwa region of South Africa. Unpublished doctorate: North West University. Gabbard, C.P. 1992. Lifelong motor development. 2nd ed. Dubuque: Brown & Benchmark. Bee, H.L. 2000. The journey of adulthood. 4th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Nevid, J.S. 2007. Psychology: concepts and applications. 2nd ed. Wadsworth: Cengage Learning. Meggitt, C. 2006. Child development: an illustrated guide. 2nd ed. Jordon Hill: Heinneman. Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I.Q. 2009. Fundamentals of human neuropsychology. 6th ed. New York: Worth Publishers. Goddard, S. 2005. Reflexes, learning and behaviour. A window into the child’s mind. Oregon: Fern Ridge Press. Goddard, S. 2009. Attention, balance and coordination. The ABC of learning success. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons. Goddard, S. 2011. The genius of natural childhood. Secrets of thriving children. Gloucestershire: Hawthorn Press. Shaffer, D.R. & Kipp, K. 2010. Developmental psychology: childhood and adolescence. 8th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. De Jager, M. 2006. Mind moves. Johannesburg: BG Connexion.

BabyGym Registrations Report for: All InstructorsBetween 2014-03-01 and 2014-03-31

Number of BabyGym 1 Registrations Per Instructor: (9)Charlotte Gouws (1)

Cornelia Goddard (2)

Cozette de Jager (1)

Janine van Staden (4)

Lynette van Wyk (1)

Number of BabyGym 2 Registrations Per Instructor: (147)Anneke Erasmus (30)

Brenize Coetzer (3)

Bronwyn Matthews (6)

Chantelle Joubert-Kaal (1)

Charlene Griessel (3)

Christine Bauermeister (2)



Dezi van Zyl (14)

Geraldine Consani (17)

Hanri van Niekerk (4)

Ina Nienaber (1)

Jacqueline Shrives (3)

Janine van Staden (5)

Joanne Bradley (7)

Karien Snyman (1)

Lelani Brand-Labuschagne (4)

Lisa-Michelle Small (4)

Lusya Smith (6)

Lynette van Wyk (4)

Magda Botma (3)

Margit Karen Reiff (10)

Marietjie du Toit (4)

Micha Coetzee (2)

Tracey Rudd (7)

Zharina Wajoodeen (3)

Number of Community Service Registrations Per Instructor: (3)Anneke Erasmus (1)


Zharina Wajoodeen (1)

Number of Special Needs Registrations Per Instructor: (1)Christine Bauermeister (1)

Number of Friends of BabyGym Registrations Per Instructor: (28)Anneke Erasmus (6)

Ansie Nel (5)

Bronwyn Matthews (2)

Caroline Maseko (2)

Christine Bauermeister (2)


Geraldine Consani (1)

Page 1report generated on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:33:12

report for: All Instructors

BabyGym Registrations Report for: All InstructorsBetween 2014-03-01 and 2014-03-31

Jacqueline Shrives (1)

Lelani Brand-Labuschagne (1)

Lisa-Michelle Small (3)

Magda Botma (1)

Marietjie van Wyk (2)

Rika Terblanche (1)


report for: All Instructors

BabyGym X vs Y Report for: BabyGym InstituteBetween 2014-03-01 and 2014-03-31

Total Number of BabyGym 1 Registrations (9)Number of Natural Births: 4Number of Caesarean Section Births: 4% Conversion: Natural Births: 44.44% VS Caesarean Section: 44.44%

Number of English Registrations: 3Number of Afrikaans Registrations: 6% Conversion: English: 33.33% VS Afrikaans: 66.67%

Total Number of BabyGym 2 Registrations (147)Number of Natural Births: 35Number of Caesarean Section Births: 112% Conversion: Natural Births: 23.81% VS Caesarean Section: 76.19%

Number of Babies with Medical Conditions: 7Number of Babies without Medical Conditions: 140% Conversion: With Medical Conditions: 4.76% VS Without Medical Conditions: 95.24%

Number of Male Babies: 81Number of Female Babies: 66% Conversion: Male: 55.1% VS Female: 44.9%

Number of English Registrations: 87Number of Afrikaans Registrations: 60% Conversion: English: 59.18% VS Afrikaans: 40.82%

Total Number of Community Service Registrations (3)Number of Babies with Medical Conditions: 2Number of Babies without Medical Conditions: 1% Conversion: With Medical Conditions: 66.67% VS Without Medical Conditions: 33.33%

Number of Male Babies: 1Number of Female Babies: 2% Conversion: Male: 33.33% VS Female: 66.67%

Number of English Registrations: 3Number of Afrikaans Registrations: 0% Conversion: English: 100% VS Afrikaans: 0%

Total Number of Special Needs Registrations (1)Number of Babies with Medical Conditions: 1Number of Babies without Medical Conditions: 0% Conversion: With Medical Conditions: 100% VS Without Medical Conditions: 0%

Number of Male Babies: 0Number of Female Babies: 1% Conversion: Male: 0% VS Female: 100%

Number of English Registrations: 1Number of Afrikaans Registrations: 0% Conversion: English: 100% VS Afrikaans: 0%

Total Number of Friends of BabyGym Registrations (28)


report for: BabyGym Institute

mense, maar ek is werklik BAIE BEINDRUK met die wyse ...€¦ · 6 Claudia Els Fairland, Gauteng...

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