17. Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER) is a condition affecting lactating women that is characterized by an abrupt dysphoria, or negative emotions, that occur just before milk release and continuing not more than a few minutes. D-MER has nothing to do with nipple contact or with irritation with the sensation of nipple tugging. You do not even have to be thinking about breastfeeding (for example with spontaneous letdowns) for the dysphoria to happen when a milk release is triggered. You may or may not have dysphoria with letdowns when pumping and before spontaneous letdowns, this also is dependent of the intensity of your D-MER. This is not postpartum depression and most of these people feel perfectly fine except for that pre-milk moment. There is no official way to diagnose it. However it's usually known for the symptoms appearing right before, or during, a letdown and stops afterwards. D-MER can range in intensity. The common experience is brief wave of negative feelings such as sadness, irritation, restlessness, anger, panic and, in severe cases, depression or anxiety. D-MER can be managed by having a support system and doing things to make breastfeeding enjoyable D-MER can resolve on its own in a matter of days or weeks. Depending on the intensity and severity of the situation it can be helpful to track symptoms. This allows you to work with your doctor to pinpoint any triggers. Sources https://d-mer.org/ & https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/dysphoric-milk-ejection-reflex/#symptoms Note Most available research was primarily case studies. At the time of publication this site appears to be a commonly reference and reputable source. Enjoying our content, subscribe! Subscribe to our social media platforms: -Instagram: https://instagram.com/pumpwithpurpose -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pumpwithpurpose -Threads https://www.threads.net/@pumpwithpurpose -Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pumpwithpurpose -YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/PumpwithPurpose -Peanut: https://peanut.app.link/7Z33ybm33ob -Pinterest: https://pin.it/1dnxqM1 -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pumpwithpurpose -Amazon Live: https://amazon.com/live/pumpwithpurpose -Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/pumpwithpurpose Pump with Purpose offers are located at www.pumpwithpurpose.com -Free Pumping Product Linktree Guide with over 300 products listed for subscribing to e-mail list -Premier Pumping Consult (30, 45, and 60 minutes) -Pump with Purpose University Online Group Monthly Membership -The Pumping Equation™️ Live Webinar -Online Programs -Pumping Guides -Online Merchandise Shop -Gift Cards -Over 50 affiliate links and discount codes -Pumping for Lactation and Birth Workers -Brand Consulting and Collaborations -Lactation Private Practice Consulting -Blog -Podcast To learn more about all of these offerings above and more, head on over to https://Linktr.ee/pumpwithpurpose