What does D-MER feel like?

Understanding D-MER: A Complex Emotional Response
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, commonly known as D-MER, is a phenomenon that affects some breastfeeding mothers, manifesting as a sudden wave of negative emotions during milk letdown. While breastfeeding is often associated with feelings of warmth and bonding, D-MER introduces a stark contrast, leaving many mothers feeling anxious, sad, or even depressed at the moment their milk is released.
The Emotional Landscape of D-MER
Mothers experiencing D-MER report a range of intense emotions that can be disorienting and distressing. These feelings typically arise just as the milk begins to flow, creating a jarring juxtaposition to the expected joy of breastfeeding. According to reports, the emotional response can include feelings of anxiety, sadness, or a profound sense of dysphoria—a state of unease or dissatisfaction. This reaction is not merely a fleeting thought; it can be overwhelming, leading some mothers to question their ability to continue breastfeeding.
The experience of D-MER is often described as a physical sensation that accompanies the emotional turmoil. Some mothers liken it to a sudden drop in mood, akin to a wave crashing over them, leaving them feeling isolated and confused. This emotional rollercoaster can be particularly challenging, as it occurs during what is typically a nurturing and bonding experience between mother and child.
The Science Behind D-MER
While the exact cause of D-MER remains somewhat elusive, it is believed to be linked to the hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding. Specifically, the release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward—can fluctuate dramatically during milk ejection. For some mothers, this fluctuation may trigger a dysphoric response, leading to the negative feelings associated with D-MER.
Research into D-MER is still in its infancy, and many aspects of this condition are not yet fully understood. The complexity of human emotions and the biochemical processes involved make it a challenging area for study. However, the experiences shared by mothers provide valuable insights into the emotional landscape of breastfeeding and highlight the need for greater awareness and understanding of D-MER.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness
D-MER serves as a poignant reminder that breastfeeding is not a universally positive experience. For those affected, it can be a source of distress that complicates an already challenging period of motherhood. Increased awareness and understanding of D-MER are crucial, not only for the mothers who experience it but also for healthcare providers and support networks. By fostering a dialogue around this condition, we can help ensure that all mothers receive the support they need during their breastfeeding journey.

How do I know if I have D-MER?

There are several common symptoms of D-MER, but all revolve around negative thoughts. The negative feelings come quickly and leave quickly, lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. It only occurs just before you feel your milk let down. After milk begins to flow, the negative emotions disappear.

Why is my baby grunting and squirming while breastfeeding?

Many mothers report that the grunting and squirming stop after a few weeks. It is a case-by-case situation, and it is different for every child. The grunting can start right after birth or a month later, but if this phase lasts longer than a few weeks, contact your doctor and ask for guidance and support.

What does forceful letdown feel like?

Signs of forceful letdown
Some women feel milk ejection as tingling, pressure, pins-and-needles. Some do not feel anything. With a forceful letdown the tingling sensation may be painful. You may notice excessive leaking from the side where your baby is not feeding.

What hormone causes the milk ejection reflex?

Physiology of lactation is determined by two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, secreted by the mother and reflexes in the baby. Prolactin helps in milk production and oxytocin helps in ejection of milk.

How to tell if your milk flow is too fast?

What are some signs of oversupply?

1. Baby is restless during the feeding, may cry or pull off and on the breast.
2. Baby may cough, choke, splutter, or gulp quickly at the breast, especially with each let-down.
3. Baby may clamp down at the nipple to try to stop or slow the rapid flow of milk.

How common is the dysphoric milk ejection reflex?

Tweetable statement Among 1469 surveyed new mothers, 14% experienced negative emotions with milk let-down, a ‘Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex’. Of those, 17% stopped nursing as a result.

Does D-MER go away?

Some mums with D-MER have mild symptoms. For example, they may describe it as a ‘sigh. Others may experience severe symptoms of D-MER (eg suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm). Symptoms of D-MER may decrease by about 3 months after the birth or they may keep going for as long as the mum is breastfeeding.

How long does the dysphoric milk ejection reflex last?

The symptoms of dysphoric milk ejection reflex can range from mild to severe. They usually begin within a few minutes of breastfeeding, and can last up to 10 minutes.

What does it feel like when you pump?

You may have brief pain (10-15 seconds) at the beginning of each pumping while the collagen fibers in your nipples stretch. You may have slight tenderness of the nipple. Some women may have an uncomfortable sensation when their milk releases or “letting down” which may feel like tingling or “pins and needles.”

What does milk ejection reflex feel like?

Some women feel this let down reflex as tingling or warmth. Other women don’t feel their let down at all. Both are normal. If you don’t feel your let down reflex while breastfeeding, you will still know it’s happening because you will see a change in your baby’s sucking pattern.