[HappyHippy]

Piggin' pigs eh ?  She's definately taking her time  But I'm confident you'll be okay for your new job on Monday (if you can bear to drag yourself away from piglet watching - you'll know what I mean shortly )
Once she starts she'll lie down, if she's doing that but seems to be straining with no result or distressed there might be a stuck piglet (but you'll know from the look of her, I'm just giving a possible 'worst case' to watch for)
I've said before that I'd rather go through labour than wait and watch my pig - think I'll have to ammend that to I'd rather do it myself than wait for anybodies pig 
Karen x

[Helencus]

Ah thanks Karen we will be ok I'm sure. Ive got supplies ready in case I need to assist and I'm not squeamish so won't hesitate if she needs it. Worst comes to worst vet is on stand by as I've already rang to say she's farrowing.

[Helencus]

Kims milk is flowing freely now. Is it likely to be hours now?

[HappyHippy]

Yes - once the milk comes in they say 24 hours, but you've been getting colostrum for a wee while, so it's probably going to be sooner rather than later 
Hope you're not feeling too tired  It's exhausting isn't it ? lol!

[Helencus]

Yeah I'm knackered frankly and she's yet to deliver! I've gotta go thru it again with aggie and she's not far behind.. Still bloody great and I'm going to Blub like a baby when theyre born 

[HappyHippy]

Ah, but you won't 
The heart starts fluttering and you feel the adreniline pumping as you realise this is it, it's happening ! There's no time to get sentimental or slushy when it's all going on and once they're born you'll just feel so incredibly proud of yourself (and the pigs too, obviously ) and be mesmerised by the piglets 
I'm the biggest softie too, but I didn't cry - I couldn't stop smiling long enough 
Sending you lots of virtual 'hurry up Kim & Aggie' vibes 

[Helencus]

We have babies! Good news is 9 vigorous healthy piglets, bad news is 1 born dead couldn't get it going at all and 1 runt that just won't suckle no matter how hard I try just can't get her to fight. I've spent hours warming her in tha aga then bringing her back to mom but no joy. I've even resorted to squeezing milk out to try to stimulate her but nothing. I've also tried warm cows milk to try to get something in her. I guess I have to resign myself to the fact she will die and that's natures way but it is sad and yes I'm blubbing. :-((

Still kimmie did beautifully and she's lay down feeding her babies grunting happily to them one proud mom.. Her and me :-))

[JulieS]

Congratulations!!!   

Keep trying with the runt, just might have been really tired last night.....and just might start feeding from Mum this morning.  Good luck 

[Helencus]

Kim has started to shiver is that normal? Shs passed the afterbirth and I had a very quick feel inside and nothing there. Back legs restless too.. Is she ok ?

[powispigs]

Been following this and I am so pleased for you, as pp said keep persevering runts often survive against all odds, our gilts shivered and became restless after farrowing and I was on the verge of calling the vet out but they settled after a few hours.  The guideline I was given that they should be up drinking and eating within 24hrs if they are not that is the time to become concerned.  I am sure she will be fine, just exhausted. good luck with the little one 

[Helencus]

Phew was starting to get really worried about to ring vet so thanks for that. She has eaten a bit lying down but really shivering now. Will keep an eye on her and keep trying with runt she's with mom now but just will not suckle.. :-(((

[Anke]

Well done - I think you had the whole of the nation (well the TAS nation anyway) following your piggies!!!!

[Helencus]

Thanks Anke. I couldn't have done this without the help and support from the TAS members. I won't do an oscars speech but thank you so much to everyone who helped with replies, I was very anxious and your support got us through. Bloody stars all of you THANK YOU!! 

[Hilarysmum]

Congratulations.  If she is still shivering call the vet.  (I apologise if its nothing but better safe than sorry).  Wonderful news on piglets.

[Helencus]

No shivering has stopped a bit of afterbirth left which she has passed and now she's fine.