Having managed to get two successful matings at the weekend, we are hoping that in 9 weeks we will have some puppies, so I am trying to be very organised. As you may know from my previous posts, this is our first litter, and although we have alot of support from our bitches breeder and the stud dog owner, there are plenty of questions that will crop up as time goes on. My first one is, what should I have in a whelping kit, what do you find invaluable?

We're already stockpiling newspapers, and have heat pad & lamp (which ever is more suitable at the time) vet bed, but things we may need during the birthing process I am a bit overwhelmed about

If you havent already got it then "the book of the bitch" is a must.

already have the book of the bitch, which I'm just about re-read, I'm sure that will be invaluable in the next 3 months!

There are lots of threads on this if you do a forum search but here's one to get you started off:

http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/129595pg1.html

Petnap.co.uk do a fantastic whelping kit; I used it and it had most of what I needed. I would also suggest a large pump of anti-bac for everyone who handles the pups, some latex gloves if you'd like them, an apron for your clothes, and some vet bed (I had two pieces, one for whilst the other was in the wash). You can get most of that at Petnap, as well as a heat pad (which I preferred to a lamp as the bitch and pups can move away if they get too warm).
I loved the stethoscope and the scales were great, as well as the little ball pump (forgotten the proper word!) but you must practise how to use it first as otherwise you can do more harm than good.

Dopram V is also recommended in emergencies (I'd do a search on this here first as it's very strong stuff), nutri-drops for your bitch in whelp as well as glucose to stir into her water. Aloe Vera gel for her nipples as they can get quite sore in nursing, some tiny cat nail clippers for puppy nails, and various other bits and bobs!

In case of difficult births I would never be without obstetric gel..  would rate it over KY jelly every time.  There is no comparison.

http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/Obstetric-Gel-550g/productinfo/OBS9006362/

And, even if not needed to get a pup breathing - Dopram V.  I would rather throw it in the bin unopened if not needed, than be without it. 

These are the 2 things that go on my list before any other.  For me, they are the most important.

These are the 2 things that go on my list before any other.  For me, they are the most important.

I agree with that totally :)

Another one for obstetric gel ... if not used, it has a multitude of uses beyond whelping, aye JeanSW ? :-D  Seriously good and useful stuff!