D - MER (Dyphoric milk ejection reflex)
In response to one of my last posts, I thought I simply must talk about D-MER.
What is it?
✨ D-MER is like a reflex.
✨ It is controlled by hormones and can not be controlled by the mother.
✨It is a physiological response to milk release thought to be triggered by the huge release in dopamine that happens at the moment of milk ejection or let down.
✨D-MER has a negative emotional component however it should not be confused with breastfeeding aversion or postpartum depression nor is it classified as a postpartum mood disorder.⠀
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👇Characteristics of D-MER
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✔️The breastfeeding person will feel a sense of dysphoria typically before she feels the letdown sensation (though not all mothers feel a physical letdown sensation). ⠀
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✔️Emotions and frequency can vary wildly. It can happen for the first letdown of a feeding or for all letdowns in a feeding, depending on the intensity of her D-MER. ✔️Feelings can vary from suicidal thoughts to self-disgust to anger. ✔️Often by the end of the first letdown, she feels fine again, the dysphoria is gone.⠀
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✨Treatment ⠀
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💪For mothers with mild D-MER, education goes a long way in treatment. Many find their symptoms more easily managed once they are aware it is a medical problem, not an emotional problem.
💪 If this is not enough than these mothers should be encouraged to track their D-MER in a log to help them become aware of things that may aggravate their symptoms (stress, dehydration, caffeine) and things that may help relieve the symptoms (extra rest, better hydration, exercise.)
💪Many find that deep breathing and mindfulness techniques are enough to help them get through the feeling.
💪Often the symptoms ease as time passes we have yet figure out why this is. ⠀
💪Mothers with severe D-MER may need a prescription. Thus far, treatments that increase dopamine levels in a mother treat D-MER effectively.
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