[Neuroaffective experiences associated with breastfeeding: A narrative review].

Authors

M de Dios Aguado, F J Alonso Moreno, S A Ramírez Parenteau, A Segura Fragoso

Published in

Semergen. Pages 102871. Nov 10, 2026. Epub Nov 10, 2026.

Abstract

To analyse the available scientific evidence on Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) and Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR), describing their clinical characteristics, neurobiological mechanisms, and impact on the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding.
A narrative review of the scientific literature was conducted using an integrative approach aimed at synthesising the available evidence on Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) and Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR), clinical manifestations described during the postpartum period and breastfeeding. Between January and March 2026, a structured search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Google Scholar.
The search initially identified 216 potentially relevant documents. After removing duplicate records and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 34 documents related to the objective of this narrative review were finally selected. Of the 34 documents included in the review, 25 specifically addressed D-MER, eight addressed BAR, and one addressed both conditions. Overall, the reviewed literature showed considerable methodological diversity, as well as a lack of agreed diagnostic criteria and limited availability of specific instruments for assessing these experiences.
The available evidence on the clinical and pathophysiological characterisation of Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) and Breastfeeding Aversion Response (BAR) remains limited and is primarily based on observational studies. Both conditions have been described as negative neuroaffective experiences associated with breastfeeding, which remain insufficiently recognised in clinical practice and are not yet fully defined from a conceptual and neurobiological perspective.

PMID:
43009352
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Nov 2026.

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