OK..as far as the retained placentas..the vet told me to give her more of the homeopathic med and then when she started a contraction to pull fairly stead and hard on the part of the cord hanging out of her (it is, was, about an inch long). So, had my worries, like would she bleed or something, so had my crew on hand to head to the vet.
So, started pulling on this mushy cord thingy and kept it steady and as I was doing that it started a contraction and about 15 seconds of steady pulling, finally this big blob let loose. (sorry not for the feint at heart). I saw another blobby beginning and grabbed that, sure enough, number 2 placenta and then a third. She had six pups so maybe she ate a few, they're pretty quick, but I am keeping a verrrrrry close eye on her for any more.
Tea' seemed fairly relieved by all this, they had to weigh close to 1/2 lb.
Wanted to keep anyone who is going to have first time pups up to date juuuuuuuuussssst in case, as I have been searching the site for anyone else with this scenario.
Again, will keep updating for anyone who is curious
Thx to all again!
Debbie