Babies only nursing on one side!!!

Jezahu · #1 05/10/15, 10:54 AM

So I've been checking on our new momma (Wednesday may 6) two or three times a day). She is a first time momma and had twins! I've never milked her before obviously. Today when I let her and the babies out while I did chores I saw she was painful huge on one side. I got the milk going right away and milked her as long as she would let me at the expense of my hand. I couldn't find any hobbles. What else can I do for her? It was greatly reduced but I couldn't get either baby to nurse on it. I'm a first time goat momma too. How do I get them to nurse?ImageUploadedByHomesteading Today1431273303.100303.jpg

GoatGirl123 · #2 05/10/15, 11:26 AM

You could try taping the side they nurse on.

Alice In TX/MO · #3 05/10/15, 12:42 PM

Yes. The soft paper adhesive tape for bandages. Make a U down one side and up the other. Then another U down and up the open sides. Do not make it tight. I put a loose-ish band of tape around the U's to keep them in place.

Jezahu · #4 05/10/15, 01:12 PM

Ok thank you. I feel awful that I didn't see it sooner!!! She was noticeably more comfortable after I milk some out.

Bearfootfarm · #5 05/10/15, 03:43 PM

You might be able to rig up a head gate to make her stay put long enough for the kids to find it.

Feed her some grain so she won't fight it

Jezahu · #6 05/10/15, 10:38 PM

Got it taped up and milked enough for her to be comfortable tonight. I'll check on them again first thing in the morning and see how it looks. Hopefully they'll find it without me having to step in and force it.

Jezahu · #7 05/11/15, 03:53 PM

It worked! They are nursing on both sides now. Woo hoo!