While the vast majority of animals give birth on their own without hassle, it pays to know what to expect and when to intervene or call for help.

 

 

Normal birth process

1. First stage labour: The cervix is dilating but no pushing is seen. The animal may appear uneasy or restless, with vague signs of colic. This stage usually last 2-6 hours, but may take longer in first-time mothers.
2. Second stage labour: The cow or ewe will start to push and the offspring is delivered. The water-bag is pushed into the birth canal and bursts, followed by the appearance of two feet and the head. This stage should not last longer than 2 hours from the appearance of the sac until delivery.
3. Third stage labour: The placenta or membranes are passed. This should occur within 8 hours of the birth.

 

When to intervene:

1. First stage labour (vague colic, restlessness) lasts longer than 6 hours. While it may take longer in first-time mothers, it still pays to check that everything is aligned and progressing well.
2. Second stage labour (active pushing) lasts longer than 2 hours, especially if the waters have broken early on.

When intervening, it is very important to stay clean and to use plenty of lubricant to avoid damaging the mother. Have a bucket of warm water with antiseptic on hand to wash your arms repeatedly, especially when assisting a birth in the paddock.
 
Try to determine what orientation the foetus is lying in. The natural birth position has both front legs extended forward with the head between them. Unless you have some experience with calving or lambing, it would pay to call the vet if you suspect that the orientation differs from the above.
 
If the cervix is fully dilated and the foetus is presented normally, you may pull on the front legs to assist the mother, as long as the head keeps coming in the right direction.
 
You should never need to apply more pressure than one person’s strength for a lambing, or two people at a maximum for a calving. The Animal Welfare (dairy cattle) Code of Welfare 2010 states that “a moving vehicle must not be used to provide traction to assist calving.” If the calf is not coming with two people pulling on it, something is wrong and the situation needs to be re-assessed. If you are not making any progress within 10 minutes, it is time to change the plan and/or call the vet.
 

Equipment:

 It pays to have the following on hand in case you need to assist with a birthing:

• Lubricant – the most important tool in the kit
• Antiseptic
• Ropes to attach to the legs and/or head

 
If you suspect a cow or ewe had a difficult birthing, or if you have assisted in any way, she is at risk for conditions such as retained placenta, infections and metabolic disease (milk fever). Please contact your local vet for advice on how to aid her recovery, as early intervention can make the difference to her getting pregnant again next year.
 

Cows tend to prolapse after giving birth, and it is usually a complete prolapse of the uterus, not just the vagina and cervix.

These cows are almost always low in calcium too, so will require treatment for milk fever as well as the prolapse.
 
It is important to replace the prolapse as soon as possible to avoid a ruptured bladder and damage to the soft vaginal or uterine lining. While some ewe prolapses will reduce easily, cow prolapses are difficult to replace properly and require veterinary intervention immediately.