Background factors in the decline of infant mortality in Sweden 1800-1930.

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the changing Swedish society during the period 1800-1930 and to highlight factors which may have determined the decline in infant mortality during this period. A women's perspective will be used as a method to approach the problem. The following hypothesis has been formulated: a declining infant mortality was indirectly linked to and mediated through improvements in women's and mothers' living conditions in the past. Health information was successful when women and mothers possessed the necessary prerequisites for understanding and utilizing this information. Because of improved harvests food consumption per capita increased from the second decade of the 19th century. Deaths related to smallpox decreased from the beginning of the 19th century and fewer children under five and above died. A pronounced growth of the population due to declining mortality started from the second decade of the 19th century. The decline of infant mortality was, firstly, a combined effect of an increased intake of calories and a gradual decrease of work loads for women, which indirectly and directly influenced infants' health and survival. Fewer small-for-date infants were born, and mothers had more time for breast-feeding and child care. Secondary factors of importance were improved delivery care, health information on child care and hygiene, and declining fertility.