What is the cause of D-MER?

Understanding D-MER: A Complex Emotional Response
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, commonly known as D-MER, is a condition that affects some breastfeeding mothers, manifesting as a sudden onset of negative emotions just before the milk ejection reflex occurs. This phenomenon can be quite distressing, as it typically lasts only a few minutes but can significantly impact a mother’s breastfeeding experience.
What Causes D-MER?
The exact cause of D-MER is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding. Specifically, it is thought that the release of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for milk ejection, may trigger a dysphoric response in some women. This response can include feelings of anxiety, sadness, or even anger, which are distinct from postpartum depression or breastfeeding aversion response. Unlike these conditions, D-MER is characterized by its timing—occurring right before the milk is released and dissipating shortly thereafter.
Research suggests that D-MER may be related to the way some women’s brains process the hormonal signals associated with breastfeeding. For instance, the emotional response could be a result of a mismatch between the expected feelings of bonding and nurturing that typically accompany breastfeeding and the actual feelings experienced during the milk ejection reflex.
Symptoms and Impact
Mothers experiencing D-MER often describe the feelings as overwhelming and confusing, leading to a sense of isolation and distress. This emotional turmoil can make breastfeeding challenging, potentially leading some mothers to discontinue breastfeeding earlier than they might have intended. The condition is not widely recognized, which can exacerbate feelings of guilt or inadequacy among mothers who experience it.
Seeking Support and Management
For those affected by D-MER, understanding that this condition is a physiological response rather than a reflection of their parenting abilities can be crucial. Support from healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and peer support groups can help mothers navigate these feelings. Strategies may include mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, or simply allowing oneself to feel the emotions without judgment.
In conclusion, while D-MER can be a challenging experience for breastfeeding mothers, awareness and understanding of the condition can empower them to seek the support they need. As research continues, it is hoped that more effective strategies for managing D-MER will emerge, helping mothers to enjoy a more positive breastfeeding journey.

What is the prevalence of D-MER?

Conclusion(s) DMER is a relatively common postpartum condition, affecting approximately one in seven lactating mothers in our study. Those with preexisting mental health and mood disorders were at elevated risk. One in six mothers with DMER stopped breastfeeding because of their symptoms.

What to do for D-MER?

How is D-MER managed?

• Surround yourself with support. With D-MER, it’s thought that breastfeeding itself triggers your body’s fight-or-flight response.
• Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby while nursing.
• Practice mindfulness.
• Try to make breastfeeding as enjoyable as you can.
• Protect your well-being.

How do I get rid of D-MER?

Some of the most common techniques for managing symptoms of D-MER are: Increase skin-to-skin contact: If you’re breastfeeding, try bringing your baby closer to your body. This feeling can lower your cortisol levels and decrease your heart rate, almost like a calming effect.

What is the prevalence of macular degeneration by age?

Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 50 and older have the early form of AMD and approximately 1 out of every 100 Americans ages 50 and older have the vision threatening late form of AMD.

Why does D-MER happen?

What causes 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.

Can D-MER cause nausea?

Signs and symptoms
D-MER always presents as an emotional reaction but may also produce a hollow or churning feeling in the pit of the stomach, nausea, restlessness, and/or general unease.

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.

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.

Why do my breasts randomly let down?

Breastfeeding: The Let-Down Reflex
Let-down happens as milk is released into milk ducts in your breast. This usually happens when your baby sucks on your breast. You may even have a let-down when your baby or someone else’s baby cries, or for no reason at all. Some women don’t feel the let-down.

What is the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in depression?

Lower vitamin D levels were found in people with depression compared with controls (SMD = 0.60,95% Cl 0.23–0.97) and there was an increased odds ratio of depression for the lowest v. highest vitamin D categories in the cross-sectional studies (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.0–1.71).