So, of course, it will be your local
lactation consultant who will regale you with the tales of woe of the baby '
possum.
Opossums (Didelphis marsupials) are the only North American
marsupial. Their young are born (after a 13 day gestation) still in an embryonic state and must crawl, unassisted, from the birth canal to the
pouch. Once there, they find multiple
nipples (up to 13) but frequently there are 16 - 20 babies. They remain attached to a nipple for 60 to 70 days.
Those
neonates who don't find a nipple perish. There is no sharing among 'possum siblings. Also, momma 'possums have notoriously inefficient
mammaries, and frequently only half of them are functional.
Pity the poor little 'possum who makes that great hike, latches on, and finds
a dry teat.