concerns over anxious labrador whose just had puppys

Question
hi we have a 4 yr old choc bitch who had 9 pups 2 days ago she seems very anxious and unsure of what to do she keeps tryingto curl up with her pups instead of laying so they can feed we have just found on dead which we think she has accidentally lay on shes restless and jumps up the minute one of them cries and tries to herd them all together and lay over them, shes laboured in her breathing occasionally too usually when feeding shes happy for us to be with the pups and for us to move them out of harms way but were scared to leave her in case she lays on any more, all the pups seem healthy no obvious problems and mum is eating and drinking and cleaning the pups just is very anxious and confused though this is her first litter and ours!
thanks for any advice emma

Answer
Hi. First thing i would do is to take her to the vet for a check up to make sure everything is out of her. This can cause panting, and restless behavior. Most of the time, the dog won't lay on her side for the pups to nurse either. Do that first, because it can lead to a serious infection, and even death. If she's ok that way, then someone will just have to stay with her until she calms down. Most moms usually do calm down after a few days when they figure out what they're suppose to be doing. Stay with her and praise her, and do your best to keep her calm and from hurting the pups. You be calm, and she'll pick that up from you. I'd say within a week she should calm down. If she doesn't put another call in to the vet to see what he thinks. good luck!