Momma Cat just gave birth this morning

Question
How Long after Mother cat gives birth does she go to sleep? and she seemed to like it when i pet her gently from time to time after each kitten is born. Is that normal or did i just make her more tired?

Answer
Hi Anna.  Congratulations on the babies!  Some moms feel aggressive during delivery, but many feel very affectionate because of a hormone that's released during delivery called oxytocin.  It's fine for you to pet her while the kittens aren't nursing, it shouldn't wear her out at all.  I wouldn't pet her while the babies are nursing, though, because some mamas will stand up to be petted and interrupt feeding time.  

How soon after delivery the mama will go to sleep all depends on mom.  Some moms won't even eat, drink or sleep for a whole day or two because they're too busy attending to their babies.  And others will take a break to do so in the middle of delivery!  Most moms will sneak naps with their babies while the kittens sleep, and newborns sleep most of the time that they don't eat.  Kittens wake about every two hours to eat for about 15-20 minutes, and then mom has to groom each one so they can go to the bathroom.  So while she keeps busy, she finds time to catnap.  But just like any new mom, you probably won't see her taking a long, uninterrupted deep sleep like she used to for quite some time.