The platypus is a mammal that is a monotreme—a mammal that gives birth to offspring by layingeggs. Like other mammals, it produces milk; but unlike all other mammals, it has no breasts, no outflaring areolae, no nipples. Instead, its milk oozes out of… Read on blog or Reader Via Negativa Read on blog or Reader Milk-fed By Luisa A. Igloria on August 31, 2024 The platypus is a mammal that is a monotreme— a mammal that gives birth to offspring by laying eggs. Like other mammals, it produces milk; but unlike all other mammals, it has no breasts, no outflaring areolae, no nipples. Instead, its milk oozes out of glands, condensing in runnels on skin— Imagine your newborn child licking the surface of your body through the day for sustenance: its rough little sandpaper tongue, its hunger a whole sheet of paper eager for constant priming. When I went back to work or had to travel, I used to pump my milk into bottles for freezing, because my daughters refused any kind of formula. In the soft fluorescent glow of the night light, they'd spit out the mix, cry piteously in their footed pajamas as if to say they'd rather starve than drink any poor substitute for the milk I made. Comment

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