Preparation

It is amazing what you can get shipped through the mail from California to Canada.  I was soooo relieved that my "stuff" got through Customs fine and found it's way to my door just prior to the Canada Post labour stoppage.

 Now, before the helicopters start doing a sweep of my back 40 acres, I'll fess up.

 It's Lactation Stimulator herbal blend for the pregnant alpacas.  The two alpacas that are due to deliver are first time moms.  Better safe than sorry, I started adding these herbs to their pellet supplement prior to them delivering.

Alpacas are known for having easy births and great mothering instincts.  However, I try to be prepared with all the goodies I might need in case there are problems.

That includes the book that has seen me through 8 years of alpaca births, "Llama and Alpaca Neonatal Care" by B. Smith, K. Timm and P. Long.   It has a checklist of everything to watch for during labour, including general timelines of stages of labour.  It also has diagrams of difficult positioned cria and how to resolve with manipulations if necessary.  I dig it out every year, just in case.

And then we wait...and wait....and check under tails....and postpone hair appointments...and wait...and check the calendar wondering if we made a mistake.