Den självklara amningens komplexitet. : En osteoarkeologisk studie om amning och dess problematik.

Sammanfattning: This bachelor’s essay aims to discuss breastfeeding and complications related to breastfeeding within archaeological contexts. Why complications have arisen when such a natural act is per- formed and how individuals have tried to manage them. By looking at different methods of recording breastfeeding patterns I aim to broaden the interpretations of breastfeeding in differ- ent time periods and locations. Isotope analysis will be an important part as well as paleopatho- logical analysis of human remains. Information from three completed studies from Öland and Västerhus in Sweden and Quarto Cappello del Prete in Rome will be presented and discussed. In conclusion I suggest that breastfeeding is a complex act surrounded by difficulties such as diseases and cultural norms. There is variation within populations regarding breastfeeding and weaning. People have been struggling as well as fighting for the survival of their children.