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When To Stop Breastfeeding, According To The Zodiac

There's a lot you can discover about yourself and your future via the stars. OK, sure: the Zodiac may not be the best predictor of your fate or fortune, but it's interesting to see how the positions of the cosmos the day you were born might, in fact, impact your daily life. Why not consider the Zodiac when you're making certain parenting decisions, right? So if you're nursing, and you're wondering when to stop breastfeeding, I say let the Zodiac guide you. Yes, also consult your health care physician, if necessary, and pay attention to what your baby (and your body) are telling you. But if you're curious as to what the stars have to say on the matter, I say looking up your sign and considering the universe's opinion isn't the worst idea in the world.

Of course, there's no "right", all-encompassing, unequivocal answer when it comes to deciding when you "should" stop nursing. Breastfeeding is a personal decision, and so is weaning. The only person who has a say regarding what you do with your body is, of course, you. The Zodiac can, however, help you better understand the characteristics within your sign that make you authentically, uniquely you. Perhaps some introspection will help you pinpoint who you are as a mother, and what decisions will make you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered as you navigate the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

So being aware of your strongest personality traits, as well as the traits that might interfere with your overall breastfeeding goals, can be a great tool for helping you decide the best time to stop breastfeeding. And at the very least, the Zodiac can give you insight into things you don't understand about yourself.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

If you're a mom with an Aries birthday, you're a natural leader. Born in the year of the ram, you're not afraid of going after what you want, especially when it comes to parenting. While devoted and caring, you can also lean towards being self-centered and, perhaps, even a tad bossy. And sure, you might be strict sometimes, but you're also reliable.

If you're considering weaning, you'll need to be cognizant of and fight against your innate, headstrong tendencies, and listen to what your body, and your baby, are telling you.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

The Taurus Mom is great at creating a strong sense of security with her children. You're practical and reliable, and you're always showing up when you're needed. Breastfeeding is a routine you take great comfort in, especially because you're money-savvy and breastfeeding is (usually, although not always) more affordable than formula. You tend not to be very flexible, though, so you've probably been breastfeeding on a schedule.

So when it comes to weaning, you might find yourself wanting to keep up with the other moms who are either still breastfeeding, or have already stopped. It's important you learn to be kind to yourself and care only about your own, unique circumstances. If breastfeeding is coming to a clear end, accept it and move on.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

All you Gemini moms crave love being the center of attention. You probably have the coolest, latest nursing bra and all the high-end accessories. But when it comes to knowing when to sop breastfeeding, you'll need to tone down the distractions and tune into why you started breastfeeding in the first place.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Cancer moms are naturally nurturing and compassionate. You may even be the mom all your kid's friends want to confide in. However, you also teeter towards being overprotective and are known for your mood swings. This means, if you aren't already committed to breastfeeding for as long as physically possible, you'll likely quit on a whim, then change your mind, then quit again, probably all within 24 hours.

Find other moms to talk to so your emotions don't negatively impact your decision to wean.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Leo Moms are of the most energetic and affectionate of the signs. You're busy, on-the-go, and likely breastfeeding through it all. I mean, do you even sleep? You're the mom who'll do whatever it takes to get your kids into the best school without any qualms, and you don't care if advocating for your children brings any negative attention your way. You're very passionate, but you're a sucker for the drama, too.

So if you don't know when to stop breastfeeding, you have to forget about everyone else first. Don't make a decision that you think will impress someone else. Don't base your choice on whether or not you will be noticed, praised, or followed. Instead, just focus on you and your baby, and do what is best for you both.

Virgo (August 23-September22)

Virgo moms are really organized. You probably have all your breastfeeding items neatly aligned, and your child's future is completely planned out. Details are your thing, meaning you already know the pros and cons of putting an end to breastfeeding. You're also big on the health benefits of nursing, which is why deciding to stop is proving to be a difficult choice for you.

Take a beat and a good, hard look within. Calm your mind, forget the facts and your plans, and you'll find the answers you need.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

As a Libra mom you tend to be very patient, even when your baby isn't latching or you're feeling uncomfortable. You're keen on putting your needs met first, though, and teaching your kids the importance of self-care and focusing on your romantic relationship are high on your priority list. You also want your kids to enjoy life because of you.

So when it comes to breastfeeding, you tend to get a little too caught up on what you're providing your children, and how that might make you look to those on the outside looking in. So if you're wondering when to wean, consider what the pros and cons will be in terms of your mental and physical health, your relationships outside of your child, and your ability to parent sans nursing.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Scorpios rule the house and aren't afraid to show it. With such a wide range of extreme emotions, you tend to keep your baby in a safe little bubble where you can stay in control. But if your baby is now a toddler, who has decided they doesn't want to breastfeed anymore, respect that and don't try to gain control of the situation.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

If you're a Sagittarius mom I'm going to go ahead and assume you've tried the latest, greatest innovative pump, and have mastered the most extreme breastfeeding positions, because you're all about adventure and you love taking risks. But because you're so spontaneous, you can also be impatient. So, if you're being honest, you'd probably admit that you've been considering this whole weaning thing for some time, now.

But if you're still unsure as to when you should stop breastfeeding, reach out to other women in other cultures, with vastly different experiences than what you've grown accustomed to. Not only will this satisfy your need to explore and learn and grow, but you'll learn about breastfeeding habits from around the world, too. That might just point you in the right direction.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

As a Capricorn mom you're a hard-worker with a solid plan for the future, but family and tradition are both incredibly important to you. The closeness you have with your parents is what you strive to cultivate with your own kids. So breastfeeding's ability to strengthen the bond between you and your baby is, arguably, what made nursing a favorable choice.

You might be a little uptight and rigid, though, so you were incredibly afraid of "failing" at breastfeeding. That fear, unfortunately, is making it somewhat difficult to wean. But I promise that when you look past your fears, realize that you've done something truly incredible for your child, and eventually wean, you'll feel that burden lift from your shoulders.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Aquarius moms are widely known for their creativity and "go with the flow" attitudes. You're the mom who can relate to your kids on their level, but you might not always know how to be the authoritarian. Your independence and unpredictability don't always do you any favors in the parenting department, either, as you can sometimes feel shackled by the monotony of mom life.

So while you're grateful for breastfeeding and all that it has given you, you've also felt "trapped" and touched out thanks to nursing. Don't feel guilty for weaning before people think you're "supposed to." You march to the beat of your own drum, and nursing shouldn't change that about you.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

A Pisces mom is empathetic, so you're always ready to fight for and protect your kids, no matter the cost. You'll push through the pain when breastfeeding hurts, and you're creative enough to figure out a homemade solution that might make nursing a little bit easier.

But you don't need to protect your children as much as you think. They're strong and resilient. After all, they get it from you. So if you feel like you're somehow letting them down by weaning, rest assured: you're not. Listen to your baby and your body. They'll tell you when enough is enough.

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