Hi, All:  According to Mosby's Handbook of Herbal Supplements peppermint is
commonly used with GI problems, including IBS, to help ease some of the
symptoms.  They recommend it not be used during pregnancy and lactation
(but don't explain why) and that it not be given internally to small
children.  Sheila Humphrey's book, The Nursing Mother's Herbal, also
recommends using in small children/babies with caution.  She says that
babies may develop respiratory difficulties if the oil is used around
baby's face/nose.  There are some recorded instances of babies going into
respiratory arrest when mom used peppermint oil on her chest or on baby's
face.
My mother suffers from IBS and when she started drinking peppermint tea at
the suggestion of her doctor (who readily recommends alternative therapies)
her symptoms actually got a lot worse.  I found that this may happen in
some individuals.  Makes me wonder if this is what's happening with this
particular baby.  Has mom tried parsley or sage, two other commonly
recommended anti-galactagogues?
Interesting case, keep us posted.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL   USA

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