Hello Reader,

Kidding season brings a mix of excitement and stress, and this week’s lineup is here to help you feel more prepared and less alone. We’re talking through clear decision points for tough births and C-sections, sharing a heartbreaking but important lesson from Coco’s story about internal bleeding, and breaking down the practical realities of sharing milk with baby goats. Plus, for a dose of inspiration, you’ll hear how goats are changing lives in rural Nepal through an incredible long-term project led by Daniel Laney.​
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You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the field with no signal. Here's how! Prefer reading? A full transcript is available too!

​When a Goat Needs a C-Section

Kidding season can be stressful, especially when watching a doe in labor and not knowing whether to wait or intervene.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melissa Holahan, a veterinarian and experienced goat breeder, to walk through what actually happens when a goat needs a C-section, what causes it, and why the “she won’t survive the trip to the vet” fear is misplaced. If you want clear decision points for when to check, when to call the vet, and what to expect before and after surgery, this conversation will help you feel more prepared and confident.

​Uterine Rupture and Hemorrhage: Coco’s Story

This is one of the most personal and emotional episodes I’ve ever shared. I’m telling Coco’s story—how a difficult kidding ended in a uterine rupture and hemorrhage—and the heartbreaking lesson that internal bleeding in goats isn’t always visible. Along the way, I share warning signs to watch for and what I wish every goat owner knew about uterine tears.

​​Sharing Milk with Baby Goats

If you’ve ever asked, “When can I start milking my doe?” the real answer is: it depends.

In this episode, I share practical, real-life guidance for sharing milk with baby goats, including how to balance kid growth with milk production, what to do with singles vs. multiples, and why weighing kids is the best way to know they’re getting enough. You’ll walk away with clear, doable steps to protect your milk supply while keeping kids thriving.

​Goats in Nepal

When most people think about international development, they don’t picture goats at the center of it — but in rural Nepal, goats are changing lives.

In this episode, I talk with Daniel Laney, founder of Worldwide Goat Project Nepal, about how his lifelong love of dairy goats grew into a far-reaching effort supporting sustainable agriculture, clean water, education, and women’s cooperatives. It’s an inspiring story of purpose, persistence, and how one person — and a lot of goats — can create lasting impact.

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Happy Goatherding!
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Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader Team

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📚Want to Learn Even More?

• Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 700 videos? From goat care to soapmaking, cheesemaking, and more—you’ll find practical, real-life tips to support your homesteading journey.
• Looking to dive deeper? Visit the Goat Academy—your go-to resource for online courses on everything from goat health and nutrition to soapmaking, gardening, composting, and starting a homestead business. Whether you’re just getting started or want to level up your skills, there’s a course for you.
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