Its that time of year...lambs and kids are arriving! Be ready, NOW. Do NOT be rushing around trying to assemble what you need when your doe or ewe has begun to push.
The very most basic kit is very simple. Though there are many thing you should...and ought to include, these are the bare necessities.
#1 Towels- These are for helping to clean up and dry off the new baby, starting with the head. The stimulation of being vigorously rubbed is good for the babies! The towels also give you something help grip slippery feet and legs if you need to assist with the birth. Fold a towel like a pot holder over the legs, and pull. The towels are also good for setting the new baby on to keep them off the dirt for a bit, or cover up a cold baby, or for the midwife to sit on!
#2 Nasal Aspirator/bulb syringe. Not to be gross, but we call these 'snot suckers'...its what they do! They are used to help clear the mucus and birth fluids from a newborn's nose and throat. I use the ones I got from the hospital when my human children were born. They have a much longer tip that can reach where it needs to! Most of the ones sold in the baby section of stores are quite inadequate. Instead, go the the pharmacy section and look for an ear syringe. MUCH better!
#3 Iodine in a medicine bottle, and sharp scissors. This is for trimming the umbilical cord to 2 or 3 inches, then dipping the cord in iodine as a preventative for infection.
This is the most basic of basic kits, and should ALWAYS be ready before kidding/lambing season starts. Do not raid this bag of its scissors or towels because they are needed elsewhere and 'you will put them right back'...once is it ready to go, consider the bag in another dimension and DON'T TOUCH IT until a doe or ewe is in labor! I said so and I mean it!! :)
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