There are six primary functions of the skin, SHAPES. These functions include Sensation, Heat regulation, Absorption, Protection, Excretion, and Secretion. In this post, we’ll talk about Sensation and how it’s recently changed my life!
Sensation makes us aware of pain, heat, cold, pressure and touch through nerve endings and touch receptors. These nerve endings and receptors also send signals to the nervous system and the brain, known as the somatosensory system.
This function of the skin was incredibly important to me when I had my daughter, Valkyrie, because of skin-to-skin contact, which we had immediately after birth. There are many health benefits for babies to have skin-to-skin contact. It includes thermoregulation, improved weight gain and stronger immune systems. There are benefits for mothers too, like lower levels of stress.
Skin-to-skin contact helped me produce more breastmilk for Valkyrie too. Prolactin (hormone) levels increase, therefore, assisting in maintaining a strong milk supply. Not to mention, it passed antibodies to my daughter.
The feeling of holding Valkyrie for the first time, and every time, is truly indescribable. She’s the best part of me and my biggest blessing. I don’t know what I would do without her and I’m grateful to be her mother.
Valkyrie’s nine months now and she’s the most curious tiny human being. She enjoys the sense of touch, whether that’s with a fluffy blanket, water or Daddy’s shirt. She loves to explore. That means Mommy’s face too, and if you wear glasses, you probably know the struggle of having to wipe them clean from small fingerprints.
Nonetheless, I don’t mind cleaning them. I love that she’s learning and I’m glad she knows how my skin feels. However, there’s more to it than the skin. There’s something incredibly different about a mother’s touch. I remember how my mother’s hands feel and can point them out if I had to. A mother’s touch is soothing and comforting.
My daughter’s grown so much within this short period of time. Everyday I wake up thankful for another day that I get with her. I know that there’ll be one day, without knowing it, when it’ll be the last time I get to hold Valkyrie in my arms. She’ll only continue to grow, but I’ll always be there with my arms open.
