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. 2018 Jan/Feb;13(1):85-88.
doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.0086. Epub 2017 Nov 8.

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex: A Case Series

Tamara L Ureño  1 , Toni L Buchheit  2 , Susan G Hopkinson  3 , Cristóbal S Berry-Cabán  4
Affiliations

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex: A Case Series

Tamara L Ureño et al. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jan/Feb.

Abstract

Background: Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is characterized by an abrupt dysphoria, or undesirable feeling that occurs with the MER and continues for no more than a few minutes. After milk ejection, the dysphoria vanishes.

Case series: This case series provides a report of three women who have experienced D-MER. All three women described the sudden onset of negative feelings at the initiation of each breastfeeding session. The dysphoria vanished after each milk ejection.

Discussion: Literature on D-MER is limited to one published qualitative research study and two published case reports. As a result, lactation professionals and other providers in the healthcare setting rarely recognize this condition.

Conclusions: The case studies presented here provide evidence for the presence of D-MER. Research is needed to better understand its pathophysiology, incidence, and treatment options.

Keywords: dopamine; dysphoric milk ejection reflex; milk ejection reflex; postpartum depression.

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