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.⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ 👇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 #birth # childbirth #naturalchildbirth #twinstagram #breastfeedingbenefits #breastmilk #lactation #mum #healthbenefits
