When you hold a child to your breast to nurse, the curve of the little head echoes exactly the curve of the breast it suckles, as though this new person truly mirrors the flesh from which it sprang.
The quote from Diana Gabaldon's "Dragonfly in Amber" beautifully illustrates the deep connection between a mother and her child during nursing. It emphasizes how the physical act of breastfeeding creates a profound bond, symbolizing the continuity of life and love between the two. The imagery of the child's head mirroring the mother's breast suggests that the child is not just a separate being, but a reflection of the mother, embodying the essence of her flesh and spirit.
This moment of intimacy highlights the nurturing aspect of motherhood. It encapsulates how the nurturing relationship is rooted in shared physicality, ultimately representing both nourishment and affection. Such imagery invites readers to appreciate the profound connections that exist in the early stages of life, where the act of feeding becomes a dance of giving and receiving, intimately linking generations together through love and biology.