Red Bag Delivery

Soul was in the first stage of labor probably around 9:00 pm but went into active labor 12:32 am.  I knew we would not have an easy birth when this is what presented. Instead of the amniotic sack the placenta is coming first. That meant the foal's oxygen was being cut off. That meant we had minutes to get this foal out.

 This foal had to be pulled and that isn't as easy as it sounds. These foals are in there tight. 

 The cameras were put down and I went to work. With Soul's help the foal was born at 12:38 am.

  The apartment guests were all given towels and everyone went to work scrubbing and drying to get that blood flowing.

 When we knew the foal was breathing and seemed to be alert she was moved up so Soul could see and bond with her.

Soul stood up pretty quickly to start cleaning her off. The foal is a beautiful deep bay filly with a tiny star. 

 When Soul took a break the girls went back to work. It was still cold outside and we wanted this filly to be as dry as possible. 

 When she was able to stand on her own we all rejoiced. We are not yet out of the woods though. With oxygen deprivation she will need to be watched carefully for the next few days to make sure she does not lose the ability to stand and nurse. 

 Around 1:20 am she was standing and rooting in the right place and Soul had delivered the placenta so we left them in peace and headed to bed. 

I watched the monitor and saw she was successful at laying down and getting back up. Then during this very short night checked two more times and both times saw her up and nursing.  She is sleeping now and very shortly I'll head up to make sure all is still well. The girls are calling her Mercy and I think that is perfect, I am praying for mercy for her that her brain will not swell because of lack of oxygen. She is darling.
UPDATE:  She is nursing well AND cantering around the stall. What a strong filly. So far so good.