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D-MER syndrome (dysphoric milk ejection reflex) is a condition when breastfeeding mothers suddenly feel a series of negative emotions, such as sadness, anger or anxiety. This condition that appears when breastfeeding a baby can be felt before or when the milk comes out.
The cause of D-MER syndrome is still not known for certain. However, this condition is thought to occur due to decreased levels of the dopamine hormone when the body releases the hormone prolactin and prolactin hormones. 400;">oxytocin to trigger the release of milk from the breasts.
Mothers who experience D-MER syndrome will generally feel better within 3 months. However, in some cases, D-MER syndrome can also continue to occur while the mother is still breastfeeding the baby.
Symptoms of D-MER Syndrome
Symptoms of D-MER syndrome are usually mild and will appear before or while the mother is breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. However, in some cases, symptoms of D-MER syndrome can also appear a few minutes after the mother has finished breastfeeding the baby. The following are some of the symptoms:
- Feeling sad, afraid, hopeless and low self-esteem
- Self-loathing
- Always feeling excessively anxious and panicked
- Easily irritated and angry
Even though it is rare, some mothers who suffer from D-MER syndrome also sometimes have thoughts of hurting themselves and even committing suicide. These symptoms usually only last for a short time, namely around 30 seconds to several minutes.
How to Treat D-MER Syndrome
Until now there is no treatment that can treat D-MER syndrome. Even so, there are several ways you can manage the symptoms of D-MER syndrome. Here are some ways:
1. Do skin-to-skin while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding skin-to-skin means allowing the baby's skin to come into direct contact with the mother's skin while the baby is breastfeeding, without being obstructed by clothing.
Well, this method is known to have a calming effect on mothers who experience D-MER syndrome because it can reduce levels of stress hormones (cortisol) in the body and reduce heart rate. That way, the symptoms of D-MER syndrome subside.
2. Do breathing exercises
Breathing exercises are known to be able to relax the body and calm the mind of mothers who experience D-MER syndrome. That way, the symptoms of D-MER syndrome can be reduced.
Well, one of the breathing exercise techniques that can be used is box breathing. The following are the steps to do this:
- Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds without inhaling.
- Repeat the steps above several times. This method can be done either before, during, or after breastfeeding the baby.
3. Distract
Distracting attention while breastfeeding, for example by listening to music can also relieve the symptoms of D-MER syndrome. You see, listening to music is known to reduce cortisol levels and stimulate the release of hormones that can improve mood, namely dopamine and endorphins.
4. Seek support
D-MER syndrome can also be overcome by getting support from support system or people closest to you, such as husband, family or friends. Sharing complaints and feelings with a support system will alleviate and even eliminate various negative emotions that often arise during breastfeeding.
Apart from that, Busui can also seek support from fellow mothers who also experience D-MER syndrome. With comrades in arms, Busui will not feel alone. However, if this method feels uncomfortable or Busui is afraid of being judged by the people around him, Busui can consult a psychiatrist.
Apart from that, if you experience thoughts of hurting yourself, even suicidal thoughts while breastfeeding, immediately consult a psychiatrist yes, because Busui needs support from experts.
That's all the information you need to know about D-MER syndrome. It should be remembered that D-MER syndrome is a normal condition and is experienced by many other breastfeeding mothers. However, this condition should not be allowed to drag on.
Feelings of sadness, anger or anxiety that occur when breastfeeding are not your fault and do not mean you have failed as a mother. So, never judge and punish yourself for experiencing D-MER syndrome, Mom.
Label : Family
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