Written by: Ezekiel Gacee

The quick change in the emotional status ranges in terms of severity-from feeling anxious to self-loathing. The intensity of these emotions varies from one person to the other. It is more of a psychological reflex that takes place moments before milk release. Mothers with D-MER are perfectly fine throughout the rest of the day, and it is only moments before breastfeeding that they experience sadness.

Causes of D-MER

In most cases, an individual has very little control over physiological processes meaning that you cannot stop them. Dopamine is the messenger chemical in the brain that triggers certain body processes. The severity of D-MER varies from one person to the other. For example, some women will respond to negative feelings by merely sighing. In worst-case scenarios, however, there are cases where D-MER symptoms include thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Research by the International Breastfeeding Journal opines that D-MER’s predisposition should never be confused as being brought on by past medical history or traumatic experience; this means that mothers with D-MER do not psychologically respond to breastfeeding. There is a common misconception that the negative feelings are brought about by past events. There is no evidence to support this claim.

However, it is the dopamine drop that triggers negative emotions. Even if the breastfeeding mother were to remember an upsetting experience in her life, it would have to come after the symptoms and not before. 

How is D-MER Treated?

There have been several suggestions on the best treatment options for D-MER. The most recommended treatment options for women suffering from D-MER include herbs, foods, and prescription drugs that improve the brain’s dopamine levels. The herbal option has a spice called Rhodiola under discussion as a treatment method. Other natural remedies are acupuncture and chiropractic therapy—Craniosacral and hypnosis, to are part of the debate on being D-MER treatments.

Apart from the natural treatments, there are prescription drugs such as Bupropion that increase dopamine levels in the brain. Since low dopamine levels are one of the factors that cause D-MER, prescription treatments are alternative treatment options. Today’s Parents recommend that breastfeeding mothers track their D-MER symptoms to avoid situations that would further aggravate them instead of focusing on relieving the symptoms.

For example, avoiding stress and staying well hydrated can help in reducing the symptoms of D-MER. Regular exercise will also distract a person from symptomatic triggers. 

How to Manage D-MER

In most cases, many women find that their D-MER symptoms reduce gradually over time and, at some point, disappear completely. Support is one of the best ways of managing D-MER, and seeking support yields to different things. Mothers have a platform of sharing their experiences with D-MER while at the same time being given access to information on how best to handle D-MER.