Do you know what D-mer is? D-mer is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex. This is a condition that affects about 1 in 7 lactating women. D-mer causes sudden waves of sadness, anxiety, and other negative emotions right before or during a letdown. I am one of the 1 in 7. D-mer is caused by a sudden rapid drop in dopamine during nursing or pumping or spontaneous let downs. D-mer symptoms are usually over within 1-5 minutes. D-mer is NOT PPD/PPA. Its completely physical. For me D-mer feels like a sudden pit in my stomach and feelings of anxiety. Many women confuse this with PPD or PPA when thats not the case at all. D-mer is also one of the leading causes of lactating women giving up on breastfeeding. Dont let D-mer affect your breastfeeding decision. Some ways to mange the symptoms of this is to reduce stress, calm mind calm environment. Deep breathing or drinking a glass of water to distract yourself. If these feelings are causing you to become depressed or want to give up try speaking to a lactation specialist or support groups about what you are feeling. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
I have heard of this I do not have it but think it’s so important to bring awareness to so moms who do know they are bad or weird or anything like that it’s just something that can happen
Oh wow! I hadn’t heard about that yet, I’ve been experiencing this sudden big wave of anxiety during let down and had no idea it was something more women could be experiencing as well. Gonna make sure to talk to my OB in the next appointment. Thank you so much for sharing this
Yes definitely do that its more common than you think!!
I have had it both breastfeeding journeys and its not a fun feeling! Its so important to talk about the difficult things!!
Yup exactly thankyou for bringing this to light
Thank you for sharing I had no idea this was even an issue that some moms are facing
So sad that mothers experience this. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping other moms, especially first-time mothers, who might not know about this!
I remember with my first journey after joining so many groups- there was many moms talking about this. I feel for each and every one that struggles with this and wish I could give you all a hug and tell you how amazing you are doing!