Labor and Delivery

Some of these pictures may seem graphic to some.  But we feel it is important for owners/potential owners to know what to expect when expecting...baby goats!

1. Arrow showed some discharge while I was making my rounds.  Her bag was hard and her ligaments were very soft, basically not there.  You can place a finger on each side on the base of the tail and gently squease.  Normally your fingers should not touch, but feel the ligaments inside.  When they are close to delivering, these will get very soft and your fingers will basically touch.

2. After a time of restlessness, she finally gets ready to push.  From the first signs of labor until the baby usually arrives can take a while.  Be patient.

3. I missed the photo of this baby arriving because as the baby progressed through the birth canal, I noticed there was only one foot.  I needed to assist her in the delivery of this little boy so no picture was taken.  I quickly gloved up and jumped in.

4. A baby is born!  All wet and slimey! and beautiful!  Only minutes old and he is already trying to stand.

5. Arrow starts to push again.  You can see the white of feet if you look closely.  Right above the feet is the nose.

6. She takes a break in between contractions to clean baby #1.

7. Here comes baby #2!  With just the right push, he comes right out.

8. Mama starts cleaning baby #2.  You can see the blood and the sack behind mama.  This will sometimes take a little while to expel.  It should be out within an hour at most from the delivery of the last baby.  If not, try giving mama some warm water to drink.  Nursing of the babies should help expel any after birth as well.

9. Here is a picture of mama with two new babies!  She is still working on getting them all cleaned up.

10. Arrow walks around the babies to get all the areas she wants to clean.  This is also good so the babies try to nurse.  Her cleaning them will motivate them to nurse.

11. Here you can see the bag hanging after the babies are born.  This will fall away from the mother.   Do not pull or try to remove this.  Let gravity work here.  Some mothers choose to eat it and some do not.  If they do decide to eat it, let them.  It is very high in protein and is good for the mother to replenish herself after all her hard work.  If she decides not to eat it, remove it from the pen and discard it.

12. Presenting . . .  Arrow and her two boys all dryed up!

Please understand I am not a vet.  This is just my opinion and not to be taken as a rule.  If you are having troubles with a delivery, please contact your vet.