Lily Passed Afterbirth ~1:06PM EST 1/22/10

The long wait is over. When labor started at 1:59 PM CST yesterday (1/21/10), we thought it would be short. Cubs average only ¾ pound and 9 inches long. How long could that take? Along with thousands of you, we spent a sleepless night as bouts of labor continued for 21 hours and 39 minutes.

Finally, at 11:38 AM CST, Lily made some contortions, looked under her, and began the intense sweet motherly grunts that bears only make to cubs. Could it be? A loud squawk from the cub made it definite. Lily tucked her head under her chest to care for the cub and breathe on it.

A few minutes later there were more contortions. This time it was only the afterbirth. As Lily rose up to eat the afterbirth, she let cold air under her, making the cub squawk and making people wonder if it was a second cub. First litters are typically 1 or 2. We listened long and hard today but never heard two cub voices.

Now at 8:23 PM CST, we think Lily is done. She had a single cub. She is now breathing a relaxed three breaths per minute instead of the four per minute prior to birth. We don't see her muscles contracting like in the past couple days. Her restlessness is gone. However, just after 5 PM, Lily made a few motions reminiscent of last night. If another cub is coming, which we doubt, well need the help of your eyes and ears to determine when it arrives. We cant stay up another night.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Lily's First Cub

[mycrazynan]

No Number 2??? I better get back on the live feed. I thought she had had 2 as well.

[Sierra1947]

I am waiting to see if the researchers confirm that at 1:06 PM EST that this was #2. I just don't know.

[mycrazynan]

She spent so much time cleaning the 1st, but i did'nt see or hear or see her do that after who I thought was No2 cry. She appeared to try to have a rest straight after. I cant work out if she is still waiting for another, or just tidying up and careing for the cubs. Can you work out what is happening now? Thank you.

[mycrazynan]

She appears to be having a well earned rest now. Time for me to hit the hay as well. She loves them, I hav'nt noticed her take her eyes of it, or them, at all!

[Sierra1947]

It appears based on the information released from the researchers, Lily passed the after birth @1:06 PM EST. When the cub started crying it was because Lily consumed the after birth. So unless something changes, Lily is the mother of one sweet baby cub.

[Sierra1947]

I don't think she had #2 in this video. I think the little one may have moved and Lily cuddled her back up again.

This is so amazing ...

[mycrazynan]

Aw thank you, I just read the update on her site a while ago, and I'm just happy that she has even one after all she went through, the long labour really surprised me and near the end it bothered me. My amazement and joy of witnessing this has no bounds and I am still on cloud 9. Thank you for bringing Lily to my life. Even when things were so tuff for her, her eyes were still sweet and full of love. And its only the beginning, we have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

[Sierra1947]

Your welcome.

[orcaslady]

Thank you for taping & sharing this!