Can anyone offer any advice.  My bitch gave birth this afternoon to two large puppies (for her breed) and the first one had to be manipulated to be born.  She is very reluctant to feed and isnt interested when put to the nipple and just wants to sleep. 

I would be extremely grateful for any help.

Thanks

This may sound daft but is she completely dry and warm?

Yes definately.  She screams if you pick her up too just wonder if she is still sore after the trauma at birth but obviously worry about her.  Vet checked her when born and even though she took a while to start breathing was eventually ok.

Have you tried expressing a little milk from the nipple so she can taste it there and then holding her there while she feeds? 

Are you making sure that the whole of the nipple and surrounding area are in her mouth?

Also try stroking her under her chin and throat while at the nipple, this can stimulate suckling   

She may be exhausted from the birth

I had one like this, she was 'flat' but with a pink tongue and we had to work on her to get her breathing.  Had been the one behind the one that took ages and came out 10 minutes later without even a push.  She was a bit sleepy at first and needed encouragement to feed but was fine after the first night.

Hope this helps

Were they born by C section, as the anaesthetic can affect them.

No they were born naturally but it was a very traumatic birth as puppy was stuck and vet had to manupliate her to get her out.  The are very big puppies for breed average is usually about 7oz per pup and these were 10.5oz and 9.5oz.  Vet did comment that first pup was acting as though she had anaesthetic.

Good news though this morning she has had a couple of small feeds when I have put her to nipple and is sucking well, so thanks Dill for all your help.

Haven't you got any Lifesaver to encourage feeding or Lifesaver Colostrum Replacer ? I would never have a litter without having these & Dopram V drops available

That's really good news