Caring for the Shepherd During Lambing

shepherd ~ a person who tends sheep

Merriam-Webster

Merriam-Webster defines a shepherd as one who tends sheep. This definition just doesn’t fully express all that encompasses shepherding. “Tending sheep” does not tell of the long nights, the being covered in amniotic fluid from a birth gone awry, the sore back from bending and lifting animals almost equal in your own weight, the stiff shoulder from pulling a lamb that won’t let loose from the womb. It doesn’t tell of the emotional roller coaster of lives saved and little ones lost. It doesn’t tell of the celebrations of a breech pulled quick enough to take its first breath of fresh air, or of the first time ewe who has her lamb standing and nursing when you go out to do chores in the morning. It does not tell of the self doubt from second guesses or of the dance of joy when the world comes together as it should. Obviously, whoever wrote the definition of a shepherd for Merriam-Webster had never stepped into the boots of a shepherd on lambing duty.

Take Care of the Shepherd

If there is one thing that I think is most neglected at lambing season, it is the care of the shepherd. I am sure it is because lambing always seems to sneak up on us even when we have the dates written on our calendar. And who has time for self care anyway when caring for a flock of round ewes in waiting, right? My friends, take care this year. Ask a friend to help you. Ask your spouse to help you. Ask your family to help you to remember to take care. Give them this list and let them shepherd the shepherd.

Shepherds need….

• rest
  (Buy that lamb cam so you can do barn checks from the comfort of your bed!)
• nourishment (Buy snacks ahead of time that are easy to grab and full of protein for those “I don’t have time to eat,” moments.
• clothing (Buy those bibs you always wanted, have long-johns washed and ready, WOOL sweater, hat, socks, and mittens.)
• lamb kit (Buy what you need now for your lambing kit so you don’t find yourself in a difficult position without supplies.)
• hand cream for dry, overworked hands
• and be kind to yourself-allow yourself time to stretch, time for a shower, time for a laugh and put music in your barn!

Freebie for Shepherds

As a treat for all you shepherds, I want to give you a recipe to a secret sauce that Theresa at Great Bay Wool Works gave me a couple of years ago when I had a weak lamb. This sauce turned my lamb around and gave it the energy boost it needed. Please note that you should never drench a lamb that can not hold up its own head and always consult your vet when dealing with a sick lamb.