Apa itu Oxytocin? First time aku dengar selepas hampir 2 tahun aku melibatkan diri dalam arena Breastfeeding (chewaahhh). Kurang sungguh ilmu ku dalam BF. Smalam, dalam forum SI ada sorang forumer mengatakan yang dia kerap rasa mengantuk semasa menyusukan baby dan kadang2 sampai tertidur. Apa puncanya? Dan bila di reply oleh seseorang..barulah ku tahu bahawa ada hormon yg dirembeskan oleh badan kita semasa menyusu yang membuatkan kita rasa relaxing iaitu hormon Oxytocin. Dalam erti kata lain Oxytocin is the hormone of love, which also causes us to relax. At the same time, oxytocin is released to trigger let-down. When the baby suckles on the nipples, it induces prolactin, the hormone that is responsible to induce milk production in the breasts (credit to dayangku). Baru aku perasan yang memang betul lah setiap kali BF...mesti mengantuk.

Ini antara info yang aku dapat.

Seeing a child nursing makes one so appreciative of how well the human body is designed so that breastfeeding gives the child nourishment while at the same time fostering the loving bond between the mother and the child.

Initially you will see this in the way the baby learns to love the breast. I can remember when my baby first learned to smile. The very first times she smiled, she did so when she saw the beloved breast being dug out of the shirt for her to feed on!

Breast is the central focal point of your baby's life. It is NOT just a food source but a source of comfort and security. It is soft and warm to feel and to baby's mouth, which a bottle certainly isn't. Baby feels safe and secure at Mommy's breast. All nursing mothers can vouch for the fact how well breastfeeding calms down a fussy baby. Breast is baby's natural pacifier and 'security blanket'.

Breastfeeding is a natural way of bonding with your child. Nursing and holding the child close causes the brain to release a hormone-like substance called oxytocin. Its release is especially pronounced with skin-to-skin contact. This hormone has been called the "love hormone" or the "cuddle hormone" or the "bonding hormone". It provides a sense of calm and well being and helps the mother and child to bond together. It is involved in those mothering feelings we experience after giving birth to a child. (Oxytocin does NOT make breastfeeding a sexual experience as some erroneously believe)

Breastmilk contains a wonderful hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK), which induces sleepiness, both in the baby and the mother. It is the easiest method to put your child to sleep.