Discovering What Was Wrong During Feeding Time
Feeding your baby is supposed to be a bonding experience, right? But every time I fed my baby, something felt off. Instead of feeling that warm, fuzzy connection, I was hit with an overwhelming wave of sadness. It was like a dark cloud rolled in out of nowhere. I knew this wasn’t normal, but I couldn’t figure out why it was happening.
The Unexpected Emotion
At first, I thought maybe it was just the exhaustion of new parenthood. But then I noticed it happened only during breastfeeding. As soon as my baby latched on, there it was—a sinking feeling in my stomach and a heavy heart. It was so strange because I loved my baby more than anything. Why was this happening?
The Search for Answers
I decided to do some research. I read through countless articles and talked to other moms, hoping someone had experienced the same thing. Finally, I stumbled upon something called Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, or DMER. It turns out, it’s a real condition that causes negative emotions during breastfeeding due to a sudden drop in dopamine levels.
Understanding DMER
Learning about DMER was a relief. I wasn’t alone, and more importantly, it wasn’t my fault. This condition affects some women, causing them to experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even anger when their milk lets down. It was eye-opening to realize that this was a physiological response—not a reflection of my feelings toward my baby.
Finding Support
Knowing what was happening made all the difference. I reached out to supportive communities and found tips to manage these feelings. Some moms suggested deep breathing exercises, while others recommended distractions like reading or listening to music. Just having a name for what I was experiencing helped lighten the emotional load.
Embracing the Journey
Breastfeeding is a unique journey for everyone. If you’re feeling something similar, remember that you’re not alone and it’s okay to seek help. Understanding DMER took away the guilt and allowed me to focus on enjoying those precious moments with my baby. The How-To Zone is here to remind you: trust your instincts, seek knowledge, and find support. You’re doing great!
