Calf love and birthing pains
Country Life UK|March 16, 2022
The calm of the calving shed belies the turbulence of the world outside
Jamie Blackett
Calf love and birthing pains

I HAVE never given birth. Even in these fluid times, it's unlikely I ever will; that would be a transaction too far. However, I have an inkling of what it must feel like when I finish writing a book, which I have just done. The dark February days between the end of the shooting season and the beginning of spring are an ideal time for a 'confinement.'

It is the same feeling (I imagine!) of having a living thing inside that wakes one kicking in the night and causes sharp pangs when pushed into the world. I await the publishing midwives who will bring it back washed and wrapped in time for the christening in June.

It has been peak obstetrics time on the farm and our young team has been working flat out. An average of 17 calves being born each night during the first three weeks must compare to the number of nightly births in a largish hospital. There has been a continuous operation, with the same shift system as they have for midwives in maternity wards.

This story is from the March 16, 2022 edition of Country Life UK.

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This story is from the March 16, 2022 edition of Country Life UK.

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