When the lambs are born, the ewes do the important work in cleaning and drying the newborn.  Then the lamb begins its own work of looking for nourishment.  Most of the time, nature does very well taking care of itself in lambing as in other ventures.  Since these are domesticated animals, there is an implied tampering that takes place.  Our particular protocol  includes trimming the umbilical cord and dipping it in iodine to prevent bacterial infection.  And sometimes we take action to ensure the colostrum is flowing from both sides of the udder.  These actions may take place on the open pasture if the ewe cannot be convinced to follow us as we pick up her lambs and head to the sheep barn.