I have never had this happen. Now that it is 2 full days, Ella has finally calmed down. She is not a first time mom (this is her 2nd litter) and she was highly agitated. She kept trying to hide her babies. She was overzealous in cleaning them. She was hardly eating but we also knew she had an upset tummy. Her tummy issues (normal after delivery) have calmed down. She is no longer agitated or digging.
When talking to others they say to invite strangers into a home on the same day of birth is what precipiated her mother instinct to protect. Live and learn. Who knew. Why didn't Cinnamon react? She was tucked away in the corner away from the door and her pups were older. She wasn't dealing with the surges of motherly hormones going on in the same day.
We rearranged the room last night and she was very agitated. She picked up her pups in her mouth and tucked them under the mat. After we finished the room, she slept. She hadn't slept since they were born. This morning she was back to her usual calm self and no longer agitated and trying to hide the pups. She doesn't like new dogs coming by if the door is open but if you close it, she relaxes. This is new mother syndrome.
Pups have been gaining a few ounces each day but that's all. Stress interferes with milk production. Pups are lively, round and want for nothing. Ella's milk is coming in more as of this morning. Everything seems to be back to normal.
Just glad this is over. It was an added stress that was difficult to cope with except to reassure her and give her major hugs.
I celebrate and learn something new. I am glad we had the 6 week visit. It would have happened on the full day old too and still be an issue. Now it is done.
I am glad that we did it. It is how we learn.
We celebrate 3 plump pups and less stress!