What is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflux

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a condition in which a parent experiences intense negative emotions during breastfeeding. Most breastfeeding parents experiencing D- MER do not understand the experience and sometimes think it's their fault or experiencing postpartum depression. It is not a popular term, so most women do not understand what they feel or know how to talk about it.

 

According to research, D-MER is estimated to impact roughly 9 percent of all breastfeeding women; and more research is carried out to understand why breastfeeding parents experience this condition and how to treat it. D-MER is associated with symptoms which include:

• Feelings of depression
• Anger and anxiety
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Homesickness
• Paranoia
• Dread
• Irritability
• In severe cases, suicidal thoughts.

 

 

This feeling occurs due to the release of the hormone "Oxytocin," and symptoms happen within a few seconds but can last for minutes. Some mothers happen to experience this condition throughout the breastfeeding period. While it can be extremely difficult to handle these feelings, getting support if needed is significant. However, some may manage the feelings involved with DMER; most women struggle to and feel an overwhelming need to stop breastfeeding. This article briefly discussed what is known from case reports of DMER and provides ways to deal with these symptoms.

 

D-MER may seem related to postpartum depression, but it is not this. DMER is a physiological condition, not a psychological one. Similarly, postpartum "baby blues" is when a mother who has recently given birth begins to feel symptoms of depression. It may start during the first week after birth, and it lasts a few days, and most times, it is relieved without any medical intervention. What separates DMER from Postpartum Depression is that DMER is a physical response to a specific action involved in breastfeeding. PPD may be due to chemical, social, and psychological changes that occur when having a baby.

 

Who does D-MER impact?

As it is, no one knows why DMER happens to some mothers and not to others. Although it can be linked to a history of trauma, medical professionals correctly state that many women with no history of trauma have DMER.

The mother's recent stress from giving birth recently can overreact to the current stressful situation. This stress can trigger a defensive response to cease breastfeeding. To make breast milk, you need to lower dopamine levels (a hormone and neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with pleasure) to increase prolactin. This hormone stimulates milk production after a baby is born. For DMER, scientists believe that an intense decrease in dopamine during breastfeeding leads to a chemical imbalance that causes DMER. However, since this condition was only identified fairly recently, there is not much research on DMER, and what is known is based on individual cases.

 

How to treat D-MER

Not much is known about DMER, so there is no medically approved treatment. Still, some women have found that taking Rhodiola root (herbs) helps reduce stress and sickness, or vitamin D supplements can improve symptoms. Scientists say that dopamine is important, and in the case of studies, the antidepressant known as Zyban (other names for it include Bupropion and Wellbutrin) and even foods like ice cream can enhance brain chemicals and improve the symptoms of DMER. Other methods recommended for managing symptoms when breastfeeding are;

• Getting a massage
• Soaking feet in warm water
• Listening to music
• Meditation to lower negative thoughts

 

 If you suspect you have DMER, it's advised to seek medical attention under the supervision of a doctor.

 

Written by: Kieran Wilson