Here is some practical advice on dealing with all kinds of lambing situations. Normal lambing
In a normal lambing the two front legs of the lamb will be extended with the head coming in between them. The tips of the legs and head may be seen for a significant time before the birth takes place but, once the ewe has pushed the head and shoulders out, the lamb will generally be delivered rapidly.
Head but no legs
This type of mal-presentation is very serious. If not noticed quickly the lamb’s head can swell fast with the tongue also swelling as time passes. In this situation the head needs to be re-inserted as there is generally no room to bring the legs out. Lubricant should be used to help get the head back into the ewe. Before re-inserting, clean any foreign material such as straw or dirt from the head to minimise the risk of infection.
A lamb born in this situation will need careful attention and, more than likely, stomach tubing, as normal sucking behaviour will usually be compromised.
Two legs but no head
This can be tricky; when a lamb’s head has gone back, it is generally difficult to get the head and legs lining up correctly again. An aid in the form of a lambing cord or a flexible piece of electrical wire can be used to grip the lamb’s head. Catch behind the ears and loop over the head. The head can be brought forward with the cord/wire while the legs can be brought with the other hand.
Head and one leg
This is similar to a head and no legs but generally not as serious. Where possible, try to bring the other leg before delivering the lamb. If there is plenty of room, it may just be a case of turning the leg upward. If this is not possible, it will require re-inserting the leg and head into the birth canal. Use a lambing cord to keep the head in the right position if you think it may fall back out of place. In some cases, especially with multiple births, where the lamb is small it may be possible to bring the lamb with one leg and the head. The head should be gripped behind the ears and not below the mouth/jaw.
Two lambs at once
A mal-presentation involving multiple lambs requires patience and visualisation of what way the lambs are fixed inside the ewe. Try and locate the two legs and the head of the same lamb and then see if the lamb can be brought. Again, it may require the use of a lambing aid to guide the head or legs forward.
Lamb backwards, two legs coming
This situation is usually relatively easy to overcome as long as the lamb is not oversized. Bring the lamb backwards as quick as possible. Delaying delivery once you have started to assist the birth may result in the umbilical cord breaking and the lamb drowning in fluid.
Lamb backwards, two legs back
This is also known as breech presentation with both legs back, situated neatly under the lamb. It is best to deliver the lamb in the position he is in rather than trying to turn the lamb in the uterus. Doing this increases the risk of breaking the umbilical cord and drowning the lamb. Raise the tail firstly and then try to raise the back legs by catching the leg at the fetlock. Then raise the leg into the birth canal. This may require pushing the lamb back towards the uterus.
Lamb backwards, one leg back
This is very similar to two legs coming backwards. Raise the second leg, which generally requires pushing the lamb back towards the uterus to make room to raise the leg. Deliver as advised above.
(Source – Irish Farmers Journal – 13/02/2015)