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  • Writer's pictureKitty

D-MER

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

✔️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). ⠀

✔️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.⠀

Treatment ⠀

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.


#birthbabybeyond#ibclc#lactationconsultantmom#lactationconsultankilkenny#lactatingmom#breastfeedingisbeautiful#birtheducation#positivebirtheurope#antenatalclass#wisdom#birth

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