Neanderthal Lifestyle- Motherhod and Childhood

[Gerald Maurice Wilkinson]

I am doing a small essay on Neanderthal lifestyle following ~Prof. Pettit article "Neanderthal Lifestyles: development and social phases in the lives of the last archaics" in World Archaeology,31:3,351-366. He talks about the infant mortality and infanticide deliberately undertaken by males to hasten female return to fertility. I am told by the females of my family that breast feeding though extremely good for the baby is not a means of contraception and that no weaning until 4 years of age would be very difficult in that time. 21st century in highly developed countries like Western Europe showa weaning takes place normally before 18months of age and probably up to 24 months in underdeveloped countries. My queries are 1. Did Neanderthals understand conception, gestation. 2.in an anticipation life expectancy of 35 and a time lapse of 5 years (1year for gestation + 4 years to weaning) plus high maternal and infant mortality, how did the Neanderthals survive so long? Please help me with a contribution.