Wow, thanks! This is all great info - appreciate it

Exhausted
 

Wow, it is under estimated the time that needs to be put in for Momma and puppies. I have my 1st litter and they are almost 9 days old. It has been a nightmare. No matter how much reading and advice I got, it wasnt enough. My baby girl was good through Labor and delivery. It was after that it went down hill. Whatever your Vet says..make sure you give your girl the Clean-Out shot after delivery. My ER Vet did not recommend it so I didnt do it. My baby has a BAD uterine infection that she could of died. She smothered a baby bot puppy also :(..It was all from her not feeling well, I am sure of it. She didnt run any fever so the only signs I had to go by were not eating and looking exhausted. Well about the 3rd day I slowed down on my time with Mom and babies because I had sooo much to do in the house and running around. I left her for an hour the most. It was the 20min I left her alone when I was IN the house that she smothered a baby boy. Since then I am at her side 24/7. I sleep right next to them on the floor, now the couch. It IS a FULL time job. Just when you feel Momma has it under control..something can go wrong. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. There are so many breeders on here who are very helpful. Im still asking question:D. I wish you the best of Luck and please keep us updated. If I can help in any-way dont hesitate to ask. If Im not sure I can send you to other breeders on here. Good Luck!!!:D

No amount of researching and reading is going to prepare you for the real deal. Many people find that out the hard way. That is one of many reasons why you see it said time and time again to work with a mentor and get some real experience first so that you really know what you're getting yourself into.

To the OP--

Your girl is likely going to want to stay with the pups vs sleeping with you as she does now. Of course, most of your time will be spent in or at least very near where mom and pups are anyway...
Also, I see where you stated that you bought blankets. A word of advice: Don't put anything in her whelping box that you plan on keeping. It will NOT come clean. Use towels during the whelp that you can throw away. Also, be sure you are not loading her box up with lots of blankets. You will need one, tight fitting blanket/towel/sheet to cover the bottom. That's it.

My yorkie just had a pup and I've been having to watch them 24/7. I have to help the pup nurse on mom so naps is about all I have time for. The little pup is doing good but I don't trust mom with him by herself, it's her first litter and she is a little to anxious over the puppy. I was out of the room for maybe 15 min. and found her and the pup outside the whelping box and under my bed. She wouldn't come out so I had to crawl under and get her. She could have really hurt him since he just had his little leg amputated a few days ago. I'm still learning what to do myself, I dont think my yorkie likes that I'm intervening too much but that pup is my first concern until he gets a few weeks older. If you go out for more than a few hours make sure you have someone watching those pups and mom.

Again thanks for the advice, I will only use old towels for the whelp, then I bought some washable pee pads for after (the hospital kind). I just have her (clean) sisters blanket in there right now to entice her to go into it. We have 7 days left and I've only seen her in it once by herself, I keep putting her in it and she won't stay. I know it will work out when it's time.