Not even a fighting chance…
The lamb comes hurtling into the world and lies on the straw the ewe panting in the early morning chill, clouds of her breath gently rising in the still air of the shed. Mucus and blood glisten on the black wool, hooves tinged with white as if they have been in water. No first breath, although the tiny body heaves no air passes into the lungs. The aspirator is hastily grabbed and i pass the fine tube passed into the mouth and nose pumping like mad sucking the gunge out of the airway, dopram drops are placed on the tongue. The lamb is rubbed with a dry towel. Nothing. It lies still, the ewe licking the other twin who is now struggling to stand.
I found it strange how something so perfect didnt live. Perfect on the outside, but somewhere on the journey into the world the spark of life was lost. Of course this is not uncommon. Lambing is a dangerous time for both lamb and ewe, but stillbirth seemed to be unfair. Not even a fighting chance.
Im doing nightshift at the moment, so lots of tiredness. Ewes threatening to give birth, me asking them nicely not to (or at least hold on till 5am when Hazel comes on shift).
*yaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn*
Here are some photos i found while digging on the pc.
