Breastfeeding in low-income families of the turn of the 19th-century town of Rauma, Southwestern Finland, according to stable isotope analyses of archaeological teeth

Stable isotope analysis of archaeological teeth from the deconsecrated Holy Trinity churchyard in Rauma, Finland, reveals that low-income families at the turn of the 19th century practiced exclusive breastfeeding for approximately six months, followed by a gradual weaning process extending into the second year. This pattern contrasts with regions where artificial infant feeding was prevalent and linked to higher infant mortality. By comparing isotopic ratios in permanent first molars (M1) and premolar roots, researchers also suggest that mid-childhood diets included more plant-based foods than those consumed earlier in life. The study provides rare insights into breastfeeding practices during a transitional period when Finland shifted from Swedish to Russian rule.

Väre, T., Harris, A. J. T., Finnilä, M., & Lidén, K. (2022). Breastfeeding in low-income families of the turn of the 19th-century town of Rauma, Southwestern Finland, according to stable isotope analyses of archaeological teeth. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 44, 103521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2022.103521