Lactation Woes and Other Bumps in the Road

Today I am reminded that sometimes the work of sheep midwifery is nothing compared to the work that follows the arrival of lambs. I'm multitasking at the moment, typing this post from the barn as I keep watch over three sets of mothers with their youngsters.

In pen #1 is Helena who birthed twins at 2 a.m. today. Uncomplicated delivery, healthy lambs (one white ewe, one black ram), agile and hungry. All seemed fine when I headed back to the house at 3 a.m.

Pen #2 holds Cassandra and her brand new twins. She went into labor at about 3:15 am, delivering at 6:30 am. One sturdy ram and a half-pint ewe who was a bit slow to suckle. I worked with half-pint until about 7 a.m. – time to feed everyone else. As I divvied up the hay, I noticed Helena rather nastily shoving her little white ewe, sending her toppling sideways into the wooden panel. So discouraging, especially since it didn't look accidental.

I continued to work with Cassandra's lamb in pen 2, supporting "half-pint" by the chest, holding her up to momma's udder, placing the teat inside her mouth, while keeping an eye on Helena. Sure enough, she was kicking that white ewe off her udder and forcefully shoving her away with her head.

So I left one little ewe to help another, and spent the next hour jumping back and forth between pens.

Meanwhile, I've been assisting poor Thalia. It appears her triplets have been using her udder as a teething ring. On Easter Sunday I noticed her running from her own lambs. Never a good sign, I grabbed Saffron, the smallest and checked it out. New teeth, sharp as razors. Her brother and sister, same thing. Out came my emery board and I've been filing down the points of their little daggers for two days, testing the sharpness on the tip of my pinky. For Thalia, twice daily massages with bag balm have eased her sore udder. I've monitored her pen all morning and so far so good. The triplets seem to be back in business, without stressing mom.

Here are few moments from earlier today:

Sleepy lambs at first light.

Helena gives her white lamb the evil eye. Good grief.

Pausing to admire daybreak.

The silver lining here – only 3 ewes are left to deliver: Aberdeen, Mystic and Zuni. Kodiak delivered over the weekend on the heels of Pansy and Calypso I may be able to put away my birthing kit by the week's end. Wish me smooth sailing!

I promise to share more later when I'm a bit rested. You are still welcome to make some final predictions as we come down to the wire. Who will be next? Who will be last?

***********************************************************************************************

Please do not take images or content from this site without explicit permission. Please feel free to share a link to this site.