Posted by Sherry on January 22, 2001 at 19:27:20:
In Reply to: postpartem doe has swollen labia posted by Janet on January 22, 2001 at 16:48:37:
I've had a lot of kids with a preference for one side of the other. Seems they go for the easiest to suckle but if I milk one side down so that they can get the teat in their mouths they'll go for it too. Do keep a close eye on the milk to rule out infection.
Sometimes when my does have had large kids or difficult births they experience some swelling. A long time ago in some forgotten homesteading book, I read about putting Preparation H on the does after they give birth. I've tried this and it really helps reduce swelling. I use a "store brand" and it works just as good. If the doe has had a rough time and she's kind of raw, she may act like it burns a little...I don't know...maybe she figures that end has been through enough without my adding groping to the list of current indignities! Mine always seem to jump a little when I first touch them but as the numbing effect takes over they calm right down! Hope everything is OK and mom and babies are happy and healthy.