Milking FF - Worried

[bcadybug]

Well, I was really excited to get home from work and try milking my Nubian FF that kidded on Saturday. I notice her little buckling was favoring one side of her udder making the other side look rather large. I got her on the milk stand (and I'm VERY NEW to milking) and I had a of a time getting anything out. She's just got little teats and I couldn't get a grip on that engorged (spelling?) side. I managed to get some out but just a couple ounces. Should I try again this evening to get more out? After giving her a couple hours to rest? Her teat was a bit red when I called it quits. I've been trying to get the little fella to use both sides.... and he will nurse that side when I direct them there.

This doe is CAE negative, eating and drinking normally... Maybe it's just my inexperence at milking... I'm a SUPER worry wart and now I'm starting to worry about her staying to full on that side....



Val

[nehimama]

Don't worry; there's a learning curve, and we all had to go through it. I promise, it WILL get better. Yes, milk out the side the little one isn't using, at least 2X a day. You probably should try milking out the side he is using, as well. In case he's leaving a lot behind.

At first, your hands and fingers will become sore, but you WILL get used to it. I promise

Keep at it, and hang in there!

[QoTL]

I milked a tiny teated doe last spring as well.

It was my first experience milking, so there was a learning curve LOL.

I eventually sorta... rolled the nipple with my finger over my thumb rather than squeezing. Pause for nipple to fill, then repeat. My hands aren't huge (I'm only 5'1"), but I still couldn't get all my fingers on, and it definitey didn't work out like it was supposed to!!

Oh, and don't really ROLL down the teat, or she will probably get a friction burn after awhile. Just sort of ROLL down the pressure without actually moving your fingers. Does that make sense?

Good luck!

[Pony]

Nehimama's right: there's a learning curve, and it takes time. Since you and your gal are both learning together, it's all good.

Man, do I remember sore hands in the morning... Hm. Now that I think about it, WHY do I have a milk goat? LOL!

Your gal's udder looks and feels normal otherwise, right? No redness/swelling/lumpiness?

[bcadybug]

OH, perfectly normal... infact, I think she's got a nice udder for a FF. Just scared to death she might be uncomfortable on that one side or that she might get mastitis... I told you guys, I'm a SUPER worrier!

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm gonna try again tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed that the little buckling will show more interest in that other side soon.

[Pony]

Originally Posted by bcadybug

OH, perfectly normal... infact, I think she's got a nice udder for a FF. Just scared to death she might be uncomfortable on that one side or that she might get mastitis... I told you guys, I'm a SUPER worrier!

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm gonna try again tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed that the little buckling will show more interest in that other side soon.

LOL! A kindred spirit!

I was WORRIED I'd get the worry-wart award. Now you're here, so I don't feel nearly so alone.

[susanne]

you might want to tape the side the buckling favors and he will use the engorged side more. i would also suggest to milk her twice a day just to keep her even.
this is important if you want to have some milk if the buckling is weaned.
it will be easier on her if you start to milk her now and she will learn that she has to give the milk to you too. some does are very capable to hold the milk back

[LaManchaPaul]

Originally Posted by susanne

you might want to tape the side the buckling favors and he will use the engorged side more. i would also suggest to milk her twice a day just to keep her even.
this is important if you want to have some milk if the buckling is weaned.
it will be easier on her if you start to milk her now and she will learn that she has to give the milk to you too. some does are very capable to hold the milk back

Perhaps you could try separating them for a couple of hours, so that he can't eat. Put her on the stand and milk all that you can from both sides. Then let him have only the large teat. She will let her milk down and you can milk her out until she holds again. You can then repeat as he signals to her to let your milk down. He will probably grunt as he tugs at the teat and you can see the milk rush into the teat that you've just milked dry.

I would milk the kid's favorite teat completely out each time after he eats.
She will produce milk fast and release more milk for him.