How do I get rid of D-MER?

Understanding D-MER
D-MER, or Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, is a condition that affects some breastfeeding mothers, characterized by feelings of anxiety, sadness, or irritability that occur just before or during milk ejection. This phenomenon can be distressing, as it contrasts sharply with the nurturing experience many expect during breastfeeding. While the exact cause of D-MER is not fully understood, it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes and the body’s response to breastfeeding.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Mothers experiencing D-MER may notice a sudden onset of negative emotions that can last for a few minutes during breastfeeding. These feelings can include sadness, anger, or anxiety, which can be confusing and disheartening. Importantly, these emotions typically dissipate shortly after the milk is released, leading to a return to a more positive emotional state.
Strategies for Managing D-MER
While there is no definitive cure for D-MER, several strategies can help manage its symptoms:
1. Awareness and Education: Understanding that D-MER is a recognized condition can alleviate some of the distress. Knowledge about the condition can empower mothers to anticipate and prepare for these feelings.
2. Mindfulness Techniques: Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques before and during breastfeeding can help mitigate the emotional response. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or focusing on positive thoughts can be beneficial.
3. Support Systems: Engaging with support groups or speaking with other mothers who have experienced D-MER can provide comfort and validation. Sharing experiences can help normalize the feelings associated with D-MER.
4. Consulting Healthcare Professionals: If D-MER significantly impacts a mother’s ability to breastfeed or her overall well-being, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial. They can offer tailored advice and may suggest counseling or therapy to address the emotional aspects of D-MER.
5. Consider Alternative Feeding Methods: For some mothers, if D-MER becomes overwhelming, exploring alternative feeding methods, such as pumping and bottle-feeding, may provide relief while still allowing for the benefits of breast milk.
Conclusion
D-MER can be a challenging experience for breastfeeding mothers, but understanding the condition and employing coping strategies can help manage its effects. By fostering a supportive environment and seeking professional guidance when necessary, mothers can navigate this difficult aspect of breastfeeding with greater ease.

How to fix D-MER?

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of D-MER, there are several things you can try to find relief:

1. Increase the skin-to-skin contact with your little one while breastfeeding.
2. Ask your partner for a massage.
3. Practice deep breathing and meditation techniques.

What does D-MER feel like?

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) is an abrupt emotional “drop” that occurs in some women just before milk release and continues for not more than a few minutes. The brief negative feelings range in severity from wistfulness to self-loathing, and appear to have a physiological cause.

How do I get rid of all my breast milk?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

1. 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
2. Cold turkey.
3. Herbs.
4. Cabbage.
5. Birth control.
6. Sudafed.
7. Vitamin B.
8. Other drugs.

What caused D-MER?

The current theory is that D-MER occurs as a result of inappropriate activity of a hormone, dopamine, when the let-down reflex is triggered. Research is being done to find the specific way in which D-MER occurs.

What dries up breast milk fast?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

Does D-MER go away?

In most mild cases of D-MER, the negative sensations will resolve by 3 months, in moderate cases 9 months, and in some more severe cases they may continue for the duration of the breastfeeding relationship. Once I knew what my D-MER was, I developed several coping strategies:

How to get over D-MER?

Other things that may help are:

1. distracting yourself while breastfeeding, eg eating.
2. avoiding things which make the symptoms worse such as stress, dehydration and caffeine.
3. prioritising sleep over less important activities. Lack of sleep makes symptoms of D-MER worse for some women.

How long does D-MER last?

Happily, D-MER doesn’t last forever — most of the time, it resolves in days or weeks. Even if it persists longer than that, it will disappear once you stop nursing.

How do I completely get rid of breast milk?

Methods for Drying Up Breast Milk

1. Wear a supportive bra.
2. Discontinue breastfeeding.
3. Use ice packs to manage inflammation. Featured.
4. Occasionally express milk to relieve breast engorgement.

How do I know if I have D-MER?

Symptoms may include sudden feelings of annoyance, anxiety, depression, pit in stomach, among other negative emotions or physical symptoms just before milk release. Some people have reported severe symptoms and suicidal thoughts. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself or others, seek medical attention right away.