L.K.
Hi L.,
My stance is that these days we are far too quick to make our children "independent" and that includes weaning our children too early and/or controlling when they nurse too rigidly. I nursed my 4 year old daughter until she was 3 and I think we have both reaped a lot of benefits from it. If you have the time to nurse your child who is under 1 and let it be a comfort, I say it's the best thing for both of you. There isn't any harm in it. I never saw nursing as a hassle and so nursing my daughter to sleep, whether at nap or bedtime, was always a pleasure for both of us. I also nursed her when she was injured as a way of comfort. I would say that at about a year and a half I started to restrict it a bit more and by the time she was two, it was only at bedtime and early morning and almost never in public anymore. We talked about it when I decided to wean and honestly, she was ready and willing on her 3rd birthday and it was no problem.
Nursing is one of the best things we as moms can do for our children to foster health, safety, comfort and trust in this very individualized country. As long as you don't see conflict in it, I think you should do what your heart tells you (in terms of nursing) is best for your child.
Good luck and keep up the good work!
~Liza in Northampton.