Page Content
- What is the letdown feeling years after breastfeeding?
- When does D-MER start?
- How many letdowns per feed?
- How do I know when a letdown occurs?
- Does leaking breasts mean good milk supply?
- Does D-MER go away?
- How do I know if I have D-MER?
- What week in pregnancy do you start producing milk?
- How long does it take to trigger a letdown?
- Why do I feel nauseous before milk letdown?
Understanding D-MER: When Does It Start?
D-MER, or Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, is a phenomenon that affects some breastfeeding mothers, characterized by feelings of anxiety, sadness, or irritability that occur just before or during milk ejection. This condition is not widely discussed in mainstream literature, leading to a lack of comprehensive understanding among both healthcare providers and new mothers.
Onset of D-MER Symptoms
The onset of D-MER symptoms typically coincides with the milk ejection reflex, which is triggered by the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding. Mothers experiencing D-MER report that these feelings can start as soon as the milk begins to flow, often described as a sudden wave of negative emotions that can be quite distressing. This reaction is believed to be linked to fluctuations in dopamine levels in the brain, although the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood and are an area of ongoing research.
Variability Among Mothers
It’s important to note that not all mothers will experience D-MER, and those who do may have varying degrees of intensity and duration of symptoms. Some may find that the feelings dissipate after a few moments, while others might struggle with them throughout the breastfeeding session. The variability suggests that individual differences in hormonal responses and psychological factors could play significant roles in the experience of D-MER.
Research and Awareness
As awareness of D-MER grows, more mothers are beginning to share their experiences, which may help researchers better understand this condition. Currently, there is a call for more studies to explore the neurochemical changes that accompany breastfeeding and how they might contribute to D-MER. This could lead to improved support and resources for mothers who find themselves grappling with these challenging emotions during what is often a joyful time.
In conclusion, D-MER typically starts with the milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding, manifesting as sudden feelings of dysphoria. While the phenomenon is not universally experienced, it highlights the complex interplay between physiological processes and emotional responses in new mothers. As research continues, it is hoped that greater understanding will lead to better support for those affected.
What is the letdown feeling years after breastfeeding?
It may feel like breast milk is about to leak out, but there is no milk in the breast. The phantom sensation of letdown can occur long after weaning, and it’s typically nothing to worry over.
When does D-MER start?
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. Some breastfeeding parents are able to manage the feelings, especially once they understand what’s happening.
How many letdowns per feed?
There are usually 2-4 letdowns per nursing session, but you may not realize it unless you pay close attention to baby’s suckling pattern.
How do I know when a letdown occurs?
A sure sign that you’ve had a let-down is a change in your baby’s sucking pattern. The quick, shallow suck-suck changes to a rhythmic suck-swallow pattern as the milk begins to flow and your baby starts to drink deeply.
Does leaking breasts mean good milk supply?
You can leak breastmilk for a variety of reasons including having a full supply, or if your body is not yet sure how much to produce, if your mature milk is starting to come in, if you’ve missed a feeding, or even if you are just thinking about your baby.
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 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.
What week in pregnancy do you start producing milk?
Milk production generally begins around the midpoint of pregnancy, somewhere between weeks 16 and 22. At this stage your body is producing what’s known as colostrum—a yellowish milk that’s rich in calories and disease-fighting antibodies—which will serve as baby’s first food after birth.
How long does it take to trigger a letdown?
A baby or pump on your breast activates these hormones, which activates the let down reflex and tells your breasts to let down the milk. So, having a let down means that your milk has started to flow. This let down reflex usually happens within about two minutes of your baby nursing or turning on your pump.
Why do I feel nauseous before milk letdown?
Nausea that occurs with the milk let-down may be related to the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the milk ejection reflex (MER or let-down), and it also helps make digestion more efficient and is associated with other gut hormones that can cause nausea.
