The population transition and seasonal fluctuations in infant mortality in Finland, Estonia and Russia

Authors

• Oiva Turpeinen

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23979/fypr.44944

Keywords:

population transition, infant mortality, breastfeeding, Finland, Estonia, Russia

Abstract

ln explaining differences in infant mortality and its development in Finland. Russia and Estonia in regard to region, religious group and month of the year in the period 1750 - 1900, one can note the significance of breastfeeding. Wherever breastfeeding was common, infant mortality was low and there was no peak in infant mortality during the summer months. The basic reason for this was that breastfeeding was much more hygienic than other forms of feeding and, in addition. breast milk was a versatile source of nutrition. Economic reasons were of only secondary importance compared to thes eforms of feeding.