I can understand your concern for your first litter etc. Unfortunately things can vary. Some bitches, particularly maiden bitches don't "kick in" to the nurturing Motherhood thing right away. After a C-section, they may be unconcerned about these new additions. You will need to watch closely to see how she reacts. Occasionally their instincts regarding Motherhood takes a day or two, other times it's right there from day one. She may not feel real good for a day or two. This is because of the effects of the surgery etc. She may nurse the pups just fine, and she may need some coaxing and a lot of watching until she gets used to everything. with no complications the Vet would probably release her later that same day, once she is alert and stable. Bring the pups home in a small box, or a plastic dish pan. Line it with towels of some soft material, you can put a heating pad under some fabric or a towel, and turn it on high BEFORE you leave home. It should stay warm enough for the trip to and from, if it doesn't, perhaps you can plug it in at the vets office, but turn the temp down. Having it on High is only for the pre-heating to get it warm fast, NEVER for the pups to be exposed to the high heat. With only two pups your work will be easier during the transition period of her adjusting. The main thing with the pups is warmth, food source and elimination. You can get their bladder and bowels working by dipping a cotton ball in warm water and gently stroking their "private's". That give them the same sensation as their dam licking them, which is nature's way. If you have to supplement with either tube feeding or bottles, get someone experienced with tube feeding to help you, and teach you until you feel comfortable with it. If you use a bottle, use preemie nipples. Good luck to you, the dam and her pups. Beryl Eshom Arelee GSD Davis, CA. ----- Original Message ----- From: <vomkristallaugen@xxxxxxxxxxx> To: <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 2:27 AM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] C section > Ok tomorrow morning my bitch is going in for a section because she is not going into labor herself. Her temp has not dropped below or even stayed at 99.4. She has some subtle signs of 1st stage labor, but she is having a small litter of 2 and it seems she isn't producing enough hormones to start active labor. > > Some questions I have are: > Will she still nurse the pups? > How long do they normally stay at the vet? > What should I bring the pups home in? > > Anything else you would like to add! > > Thanks for any help on thhis one. My first litter, my first section!! Goodness all these first....soryy I'm going insane at this point! > > Kris Kudel > Vom Kristallaugen GSD ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================