Mouse in long labor

Question
I've got a pregnant female that has had one litter B4 but now seems to B having trouble w/2nd.She started delivery at noon today(7-24)& has still not had them?She has large bulge&we can see the babies moving in there from her rear but I fear they may B stuck.Can I help her or is it best 2 leave alone?Don't want 2 loose them all-PLEASE HELP!

Answer
Dear Cherie,

Poor little Mousie!

Usually I would leave a mouse alone who was giving birth but this sounds like she needs help.  I'm worried.

If she is tame enough, and doesn't bite from fear, I would take her out so gently and VERY carefully massage her tummy.  If you mean you can see the babies, then if she will let you, take a little bit of butter (sounds strange but something else might be bad for her) and see if she will let you massage a little bit around and near the vagina.  That with the massaging should help loosen her up if it's possible.

If she starts to succeed in giving birth, be sure to place her immediately back in the nest and leave her alone.  She will be very upset and a distressed mama mouse can eat the babies.  If she does, there's nothing you can do, but remember it's her natural survival instinct:  If she thinks the babies are in too great danger to survive, it makes sense to save herself and not the babies.  

I really hope she is ok.  I'm glad I was able to answer this soon after you asked.  I hope it helps-- or that she succeeds by herself.

sympathetic squeaks from my mice,

Natasha