what do people think about this subject do you jump straight in and remove sacs and break cords or do you give mom a chance to do it herself, if so how long before you jump in and if you do cut cords do you use scissors or finger nails.
    also what source of additional heat do you use for newborns and for how long.

     just thought it would make an intresting debate thats all.

    as for me havent had a litter yet but dads been breeding staffords for 11 yrs and he lets mum do as much as poss , but dont know if its a breed thing or just an old fashioned view . as for heat he used a lamp in the early days but changed to a heat pad a few yrs ago only on low though, but did have one bitch chew through wires , he used it 24 hrs a day for 3 weeks, unless it was july or august.  sarah x

I'm sure everyone has their own tried and tested methods of dealing with newborns, but I lean over and split bag around the pup's face with my fingers as it is born, then I put my finger in pup's mouth.  If I get a splutter I then leave well alone and let the bitch do everything.  If the pup doesn't respond then I cut the cord with my fingernail (this takes a couple of goes so is like a bitch gnawing on it), and then rub the pup quite roughly, hanging face down, with a towel.  A lot of fluid often comes out of the nose and mouth.  Then I swoop it through the air, face first to force air into its lungs.  Also, I frequently put my finger gently down its throat, as the gagging reflex is the last reflex to go.  Also I tumble the puppy round and round in my fingers, which is like artificial respiration - squeezing and opening the lungs.

I use a heated pad with any litters that aren't born in the summer (although I have to say the bitch generally lays on that!), but as the pups are born in the sitting room it is quite warm anyway with a new vetbed and central heating.  I also put a blanket over the to of the whelping box so it is fairly dark and private for the new mum.

I do the same as pjw, I break the sac and clear the airways.........then leave it to mum, if she doesn't then I'll break the cord with my fingers.  I do have a heatlamp, also heat pads

Sharon, do you know if your bitch is pregnant yet?  Although I think she is about the same stage as mine - just over 2 weeks since mating.

Will pm you