Exterogestation: do you know what it is?
Exterogestation: do you know what it is?
Still little known among Brazilian mothers, the theory of exterogestation states that human pregnancy should last beyond the 9 months of the baby inside the womb, extending for at least another 3 months after delivery.
Although it may seem crazy at first, this whole concept has scientific backing. It was created by an anthropologist after observing fetal development in various animal species. Basically, what this professional argues is that this transition period is essential for human babies to fully adapt to extrauterine life.
What is heterogestation?
Based on the prefix extero-, which means “outside” or “external,” the term exterogestation is used to describe a gestational period that takes place outside the uterus after the baby is born. During this phase, parents should try to recreate the uterine environment outside the woman’s body to increase the child’s comfort. Another goal is, of course, to allow the child’s development to continue appropriately.
The term exterogestation was coined in the last century by anthropologist Ashley Montagu, who stated that the first few months after birth were essential for the baby to continue its development. Montagu drew attention to the fact that, with human evolution toward bipedalism (walking on two legs), the female pelvis became narrower and babies began to be born increasingly “premature.”
dependent on maternal and paternal care for survival. Their development is slow until they acquire the ability to move around and feed themselves, or at least manage to maintain a sleep and feeding pattern more similar to that of an adult.
Based on this, Montagu defended the idea that the first months of a baby’s life could, in fact, be considered part of pregnancy—except for the fact that it would occur outside the womb.
How does the baby react outside the womb?
Inside the womb, the child has a continuous supply of food, never feels thirsty or hungry, stays warm and clean, and can sleep without lights or loud noises causing frequent scares. What’s more, it has full contact with its mother.
Once outside the womb, all that sense of security is gone. From the moment of birth, the baby feels cold and hungry, needs to be bathed and have its diapers changed to stay clean, and ends up spending several hours a day alone, without the comforting presence of its mother.
Now, they need to cry to communicate their needs and get the attention of the adults around them, who ensure their survival while generating noises and stimuli that are often uncomfortable for the baby. Thus, the transition from uterine life to life in the outside world is a time of great stress and insecurity for the child.
What are the advantages of exterogestation?
The great advantage of exterogestation is that it makes the transition from pregnancy to infancy smoother—both for the baby and the mother—by reducing the stress of the newborn phase and helping to relieve terrible colic. In addition, the technique reinforces the creation of a strong emotional bond between the baby and the parents and can have a positive impact on the child’s physical and psychological aspects in the medium and long term.
The intention of exterogestation is not to completely recreate the uterine environment outside the mother’s body — not least because that would be impossible. However, within the realm of possibility, the uterine environment can be simulated at certain times so that the child can go through this transition period more safely and parents have more time to adapt to the care that is required.
How is this done in practice?
It is possible to follow the teachings of the theory of exterogestation at various times during the baby’s routine. Here are some examples:
Lighting
Since there is no light source inside the womb, after the baby is born, rooms should be kept dimly lit most of the time. In addition to not hurting the child’s eyes, this can make them calmer.
Sleep
In the first few weeks after birth, sleeping is the child’s main activity, although there is no set pattern or rhythm. Exterogestation advocates that it is important to respect this lack of schedule and allow the baby to sleep whenever they want, in a quiet, low-light environment, with their parents nearby.
There are even those who argue that babies should sleep in bed with their parents during the first few months to increase contact with the mother. This is quite controversial, as research has proven that newborns should not sleep in bed with their parents due to the risk of suffocation (parents may accidentally roll over on the baby while sleeping).
Food
Exclusive breastfeeding on demand simulates the baby’s connection to the mother through the umbilical cord, which provided a constant source of nutrients day and night. Similarly, the mother’s breast becomes that source after birth until the baby enters a feeding routine that allows for scheduled and more spaced-out feedings.
Touch
Touch is one of the first senses developed by babies and should be stimulated as much as possible with kisses, caresses, hugs, massages, and cuddles. Through this constant contact, children can feel their parents’ hearts beating and stay warm, which brings them security and tranquility.
Noises
Inside the mother’s body, there were a series of repetitive, rhythmic sounds that indicated the mother’s presence. After birth, soft music similar to what he was already accustomed to pleases the baby and offers a new source of stimulation.
Transport
Ideally, newborn babies should be carried close to their mothers using a sling. This way, the baby moves with her throughout the day and can hear her voice and heartbeat all the time, as if it were still inside the womb.
When this is not possible, it is recommended that the baby be wrapped in blankets to limit their movements and simulate the comfort of the uterine environment.
Bath
To simulate the uterine environment during bath time, we recommend using a hot tub or bucket bath. In that tight space, surrounded by warm water, the child experiences the same sensations they had when they were inside the amniotic sac.
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