Doe walking away when kids want to nurse

[BellaM]

Hi everyone, my doe kidded on the 14th - 2 babies. A picture perfect birthing (it was all over in an just under an hour, absolutely no issues ). It's her second kidding, I had to offer a little assistance with cleaning and latching the babies first time but Nougat went completely solo this time round.

But I've noticed that she's walking away (sometimes doing a little skip) when babies want to nurse. Her udders are beautiful - not overfull, teats are perfect - so I'm wondering if the teats might be a bit tender? Do goats have this issue (I know I did! ) and what can I do to help? Will it be detrimental to the babies if I put udder butter on them?
Can I use organic nipple cream (for humans)?

 

[Baymule]

Pick the babies up and check their tummies. If round and full, they are getting enough to eat. Stick your finger in their mouth. If warm, mom is feeding them and they are fine.

If tummies are hollow, they aren’t getting enough to eat. If mouths are cold, you have a very short time to warm them up and feed them. NEVER bottle feed a cold mouthed kid or lamb. They cannot digest it and will die. I know this from experience. Warm them up FIRST, then bottle feed.

To warm them up, if extremely cold and lethargic, plunge into warm, almost hot, but not hot, water. Hold for a few minutes. Have a towel ready to scrub dry. The scrubbing mimics the mom’s licking, stimulating blood flow and breathing. If just cold, I put them in a laundry basket with a hair dryer blowing in, and a towel on top. Be careful not to get it too hot and scorch their lungs.

Most likely, they are just fine. My ewes walk away after a few sucks too. But if they aren’t getting enough, you may have to put her in a stanchion or head lock several times a day to let them suck their fill.

It’s good to be concerned, just don’t let worry eat you up!

 

[BellaM]

They're fine - active, warm, full bellies - I was just a bit concerned that momma might be in a bit of pain? And if so, if I could use udder butter or an organic (human) nipple cream?

But thank you for responding, much appreciated

 

[farmerjan]

If it is safe for human babies it would be safe for the kids. They may not like the taste. She may just be controlling how much they eat in her own way. Maybe you should just watch that she does not become engorged like she is getting mastitis. If it looks and stays about equal sized, and they look fat and warm and playing, let well enough alone.

 

[BellaM]

I do tend to worry unnecessarily so I'll just keep an eye on them for now.

Thank you

 

[SageHill]

I do tend to worry unnecessarily so I'll just keep an eye on them for now.

Thank you

Ummmm - well that's natural!