It’s Not Just You!
Hey Lovelies,
This one is for the mamas that are breastfeeding or pumping,
specifically all of the mamas that still experience a “letdown”.
Random. But, I learned that not everyone feels their letdown, or breast filling! I thought everyone did! Anyways!
Serious question….
When you begin to pump or feed, do you experience this gut wrenching feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes you feel super sick?
A feeling that makes you contemplate that you’re a “bad” mother and everything is going wrong and you just feel nothing but depression or anxiety???
The craziest part is that you didn’t feel ANY of that before the feeding/pumping session and it’s gone right after!
Yeah, me too!
Don’t get me wrong postpartum can be hard but I’ve loved almost every part of this journey with my twins from pregnancy until now. So this feeling that I get is
Horrible
Confusing
Well, I’ve learned there’s actually a name for it.
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex or D-MER
According to the National Breastfeeding Journal, D-MER is described as an “abrupt emotional “drop” that occurs in some women just before milk release and continues for not more than a few minutes” (Heise & Wiessinger, 2011).
(You can read more by clicking on the Journal title above)
There’s not much research on it but the thought is that dopamine, our feel good hormone, significantly drops as a result of the spike in Oxytocin which is necessary for milk production and maternal and baby connection.
There really are no “treatments” or “cures” due to the lack of research but knowledge is power… and knowing that there is a PHYSICAL reason I get this feeling helps me to shut it down quickly and reassure myself.
I’m doing a great job.
I’m successfully nourishing my babies with my body and motherhood was never meant to be easy but God believes I’m more than capable❤️
I pray that this information helps you in the same way.
I pray that you know that…
It’s not you mama…
You’re not alone in your struggles.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing and sometimes it’s not, but a lot of times it helps to know why things happen.
But, for now, SMILE because you are providing nourishment for your beautiful babies!
Until next time…