Notes on early childhood diets in early modern Oulu, Finland, based on the stable isotope case studies of archeological dentin

In mid-18th-century Sweden, the newly enhanced census records revealed higher-than-expected infant mortality rates in certain regions of kingdom. This convinced contemporary elite men common women deliberately refusing to breastfeed out vanity and lack care. One worst terms was province Ostrobothnia, located area what is now Finland. To explore allegations, we measured carbon (δ13C) nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios collagen incremental crown dentin segments permanent first molars (M1) six individuals excavated from early modern churchyard town Oulu, Ostrobothnia. The results do not directly support worries over breastfeeding but imply a variety related practices Oulu at time.