No / This study investigated stable-isotope ratio evidence of weaning for the late Anglo-Saxon population of Raunds Furnells, Northamptonshire, UK. δ15N and δ13C values in rib collagen were obtained for individuals of different ages to assess the weaning age of infants within the population. A peak in δ15N values at about 2-year-old, followed by a decline in δ15N values until age three, indicates a change in diet at that age. This change in nitrogen isotope ratios corresponds with the mortality profile from the site, as well as with archaeological and documentary evidence on attitudes towards juveniles in the Anglo-Saxon period. The pattern of δ13C values was less clear. Comparison of the predicted age of weaning to published data from sites dating from the Iron Age to the 19th century in Britain reveals a pattern of changing weaning practices over time, with increasingly earlier commencement and shorter periods of complementary feeding in more recent periods. Such a change has implications for the interpretation of socioeconomic changes during this period of British history, since earlier weaning is associated with decreased birth spacing, and could thus have contributed to population growth.

The purpose of the study was to determine if mothers who breast-feed their babies for nine months and longer experience problems when weaning. This research also determines the type of problems and weaning practices used by those mothers. In this descriptive study, data was collected from 150 mothers by means of questionnaires and interviews. The subjects were mothers who breast-fed their children for nine months or longer, who attended antenatal and postnatal clinics at Coronation Hospital. Reasons for weaning were inter alia the belief that the baby was old enough to be weaned. The results revealed that 42 (31,34%) of the respondents experienced problems during weaning. The problems included, among others, guilt feelings in the mother. Mothers use harsh methods of weaning such as sending a child away to a relative. There is minimal involvement of health workers in the health education of mothers on weaning. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

The purpose of the study was to determine if mothers who breast-feed their babies for nine months and longer experience problems when weaning. This research also determines the type of problems and weaning practices used by those mothers. In this descriptive study, data was collected from 150 mothers by means of questionnaires and interviews. The subjects were mothers who breast-fed their children for nine months or longer, who attended antenatal and postnatal clinics at Coronation Hospital. Reasons for weaning were inter alia the belief that the baby was old enough to be weaned. The results revealed that 42 (31,34%) of the respondents experienced problems during weaning. The problems included, among others, guilt feelings in the mother. Mothers use harsh methods of weaning such as sending a child away to a relative. There is minimal involvement of health workers in the health education of mothers on weaning. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)