Dysphoric Milk Release Reflex as A Problem in Breastfeeding Women

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 76 - 80, 26.03.2025

Ayşe İrem Gökçek , Neslihan Özcan

https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1518151

Abstract

Although breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to the health of women and infants, breastfeeding rates are not at the desired levels. The literature includes medical and physical difficulties that can lead to early discontinuation of breastfeeding. However, studies examining the impact of women's emotional experiences on the breastfeeding process are rather limited. Dysphoric milk release reflex (DMER) is characterised by dysphoria that occurs during milk release and lasts for several minutes. Symptoms include sudden and unpleasant feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability or panic. The exact cause of DMER is not known. Studies suggest that the sudden drop in dopamine at the start of lactation causes a short-term dopamine deficiency in women, which can lead to dysphoria. It is known that women experiencing DMER have a negative process towards breastfeeding due to the uncomfortable feelings, and some women may stop breastfeeding or feel compelled to continue breastfeeding because of this discomfort. Although there is no medically proven treatment, it has been suggested that various non-pharmacological methods such as distraction, lifestyle changes, music and aromatherapy may be effective. As DMER has only recently been recognised, the literature is limited. The aim of this review is to present the current literature on DMER.

Keywords

Breastfeeding, breast milk, dysphoric milk ejection reflex, dopamine, oxytocin

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