Tucked away from the popular narrative of the joys of motherhood is an affliction that remains largely unspoken of – the Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER). Motherhood, often painted as a divine journey filled with delightful moments, can indeed unravel daunting experiences that are left unshared. One such hushed experience is DMER.
What exactly is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER)?
Shrouded in obscurity, DMER, to put it plainly, is a perplexing condition that surfaces during breastfeeding. It induces intense negative feelings, which can taint an otherwise warm and bonding experience between a mother and her child. But what does it feel like and how does it sneak into this otherwise beautiful journey? Hold on, as we embark on the quest to decode DMER.
The Silent Intruder: My Tryst with DMER
Recounting my personal experience might shed some light on this obscure condition. The first few days post-childbirth were an emotional roller-coaster. The joy of holding my little one was mixed with bouts of inexplicable anxiety and sadness, especially during breastfeeding. An intense wave of dysphoria engulfed me every time my milk let down. The feelings were fleeting, yet excruciating, leaving me disoriented and distressed.
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“Breastfeeding, often cherished as ‘those moments’, started appearing like a door leading to a dark alley, stinking of dread and despair,”
Obscurity of DMER made it difficult to seek validation for what I was going through. The erratic timing of these episodes, coinciding with the let-down, was the missing piece of the puzzle – a plight referred to as DMER.
What is the downside of DMER?
A lack of awareness feeds into the distress that DMER instigates, making it imperative to bust the myths and break the silence. Not only can it spoil the nurturing experience, but untreated DMER also raises the risk of early weaning, depriving the child of crucial nutrition and the mother from experiencing an important facet of her motherhood.
Quoting an OB/Gynaec and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can lend deeper insights into understanding the complexities of DMER. Ensuring their words are encapsulated in this article could shed a more academic and professional light on this topic.
Common Questions About DMER
Can DMER be treated?
Yes. With adequate professional advice and support, managing DMER is indeed a possibility. Consult with lactation consultants or mental health practitioners who are cognizant of DMER for support and strategies to tackle it.
Does DMER affect the quality/quantity of breast milk?
Discomforting as it might be, DMER is not known to affect the quality or quantity of breast milk.
Wrapping Up: Silence is Not the Key
Navigating through motherhood can be like groping in the dark, especially when encountering less-known intricacies such as DMER. Brené Brown once said, “Shame derives its power from being unspeakable.” It’s time we voice out the unspoken challenges of motherhood, DMER being one of them. Remember, help is available and the key is to reach out.
