Heeelelllllpppppp!

[Cheryl in SD]

Doe in labor, water broke over an hour ago. She is just standing, still having contraactions. Is she ok?

Do I wait?

HELP!

[Freeholder]

Sounds like time to scrub up and go in to see what's going on. Have you done this before? No? I thought not! Don't panic! Is there someone who can give you a hand? Hold the doe still? She isn't going to like you sticking your hand up her backside AT ALL! and will scream bloody murder, but don't be daunted. Your hand is no bigger than the babies she's about to birth. You are feeling for babies -- could feel noses, feet (need to find out if they are front feet or back feet), or even a side presentation (worst case scenario). See if you can rearrange things a bit so they start coming out.

I'm going to send this then write some more.

Kathleen

[Freeholder]

Okay -- make sure your fingernails are trimmed short, and scrub with hot soapy water all the way past your elbows (yes, you may need to go in the doe that far). Hopefully there's a baby waiting to present, and you just need to untangle a leg or something so it can come out on its own. If it seems to be presenting correctly but isn't moving, gently tug in sync with the contractions. If by chance the head is turned back (I've had one of those) you'll have to get ahold of it (the lower jaw works, as everything else is to slippery to hold on to) and turn it so it's coming out nose first. If a hiney-first presentation, you'll need to push it back in and pull the legs out so the kid can be born feet first. Breech kids may inhale birth fluids and not be able to breathe -- hold the rear hooved firmly, and in a clear space swing the kid around in a circle several times to get the fluid out. It should start breathing on it's own after that -- I had to do one this year that had to be whirled around three separate times before he was breathing well on his own.

Let me know how things work out.

Kathleen

[Freeholder]

Last but not least, make sure your doe gets antibiotics as soon as possible. No matter how you try to clean up, you will still be introducing germs in there.

Kathleen (who is off to bed, after a sleepless night last night) I hope things go all right for you!

[Cheryl in SD]

Just delivered one big boy, breech. She has a least one more, I think two. I have to go back out.

[tltater]

Glad to see someone was here to help you when you needed it. Good luck and let us know how things go!

Tracy
Southwestern, NY

[Cheryl in SD]

I have to go back out in a minute to check them all. Another boy, COMPLETE breech, had to push him back in & turn him enough to get legs out first, still came out backwards, but I think they are all ok. I went back in & felt around good, didn't feel anything else. I will go back out in a minute to see if she has delivered the afterbirth ok. I hope I didn't hurt her turning the baby!

[Cheryl in SD]

both kids are on their feet, both have eaten and are almost dry. Mama has mostly passed her afterbirth and is not bleeding unusually. I am BEAT. I will wait up another hour, do more check and CRASH.

[ozark_jewels]

Wonderful news! Sounds like you did great and so did momma. Let us know how everyone is in the morning......I'm up holding hands with a sick milker, off to give her some lactating ringers before trying to catch a few zzz's.....

[titansrunfarm]

How cool! You guys are awesome!

[full sun]

Cheryl-- I am so proud of you!! I have a first timer due in a week or 2 and I am a first-timer, too. You inspire me! Great job and congratulations!!!!!

And Kathleen, how wonderful you were able to advise her! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and knowledge...

What a great board this is!!

Jennifer

[Cara]

Yay for you ! And Clara Belle!

[Sweet Goats]

Cheryl, I knew you could do it. I know how scared you must have been to pull a breach one. I had pulled babies before but when it came to the Breach (total butt) I thought I was going to die, I had a very good friend on the phone giving me support and instruction on what to do, (OK to my daughter and she told me). I know how you feel like you are going to hurt mom, but boy are they great. You forsure had your angel with you! Kathleen. I know she said to give antibiotics because you had to go into mom, just to tell you I do not ever do it unless I have to. I go into every mom after she kids because I am worried one will still be inside waiting to come out (it has happned, I pulled it 20 hours later , I almost lose baby and mom.) I am not sayind do not give it to her, lots of people do, but if you gdon't have any, that is all. Congratulations on a job very well done.

[flannelberry]

Yay Cheryl! Congrats to you and mama!

[mary,tx]

You did great! Congratulations!
(I've often wondered why I am the one so exhausted when the goats have kids. )
mary