I have everything ready - plastic bowls, plastic bags and wads of cotton. Disenfectant, string, bandages, sterilised water, liquid soap. A large battery lamp. A bucket. Her box is ready, comfortable with straw that has been sprayed with disenfectant. The vet's number is pinned up on the wall. And new batteries in the camera. Poor Maisie - she is taking it much more calmly than I am, and is being really good about all the intimate examinations I am giving her twice a day - udder feel, rectal temperature, colour and tension of internal tissues. But she has had at least four foals, and this is my first one! By all the signs so far I think she has maybe 10-12 days to go, but it could be sooner. I am both nervous of being there and scared to miss it. And of course terrified in case something goes wrong. I went to the clinic this week and asked them what I should do, and they said basically nothing, just be there if I can and phone them at once if something doesn't seem right. Otherwise, leave it to Maisie. And the morning after the birth, call and the vet will come and check mother and baby and give tetanus shots. I have been reading up on it all and scared myself silly learning about what COULD go wrong. But at least now I understand the procedure (from a spectator point of view) and know what to look for at the different stages. I will keep you informed of progress. Meanwhile send good vibes please for Maisie, that all goes well with what will be her last foal. The poor thing has been a breeding machine all her adult life.
