starting to panic now

[aimee8282]

Ok so my mare is about 313 days now, starting to bag up. I have some questions... Sorry if they have already been asked!
1. When should I start checking her during the night?
2. What should be in my foaling kit?
3. When the little one arrives... Am I ok to still feed mummy in a rubber feed bin on the floor? Or will little one eat it?

I know they may seem like silly questions, but it's my first foal. She's already on a big straw bed, wormed and vaccinated up to date. She's so calm and relaxed, it's me that is panicking!

Any advice would be great.

 

[lucywainwright]

It's my first time foaling too but I have buried my head in 2 great books - 1 for first timers (plain simple language) and the other V technical (but helped along by the first!).
I am checking mine at the moment because 1 is overdue and was bagging up about 2 and half weeks ago; another has been bagged up for 2 weeks and the next has been bagging up for about a week now.
From what I gather anything up to 3 weeks early to foal is OK so it can be lots of sleepless nights (I'm ready - honest)!
As far as foaling kit goes, our vet recommended not to cut the cord as mum or baby should do this themselves once they stand and this is best but they did say to use a naval spray and gave me some terramycin spray to use for about a week once baby arrives. Apart from that I think because I've not done it before, I will be ringing the vet for advice/visit.
I also gather that feeding mum is the best way to get baby onto feed too so just make sure it's suitable for both of them.

Good luck...it's nerve racking isnt it!!

 

[aimee8282]

Thanks very much! I'm getting really nervous, fingers crossed it all goes smoothly

the restless nights start now I guess! I'll get that spray from my vet as well, thanku.