New born kittens and their mother

Question
Our family cat has just had her first set of kittens; five of them, which she had yesterday! She is only young and a very small cat herself. She seems to be leaving them quite a bit. We have her shut in one warm room, and she seems to leave them in the box and then walk around a lot. Is this normal behaviour or should we be worried that she is struggling with the kittens? Yesterday she looked after them fine. It usually happens when we walk in, I think she wants attention. Should we leave her to it?
Sophie

Answer
Hi Sophie, this is pretty typical behaviour of a young first time mom. They are really feeling quite lost and concerned about these squirmy squeaky things. She feels that you and the family are her support and you should be 'helping' her with these THINGS !! lol.
the best thing you can do is to spend lots of time with her for the first 3-4 days. Or at least have someone with her. Do homework in that room, move the computer in there, eat lunch in there.. whatever it takes to spend more time near her.  When she keeps leaving the kittens they don't get as much warmth and nursing time, and it is really important to have lots of mom contact in the first few days when they are so fragile. After about day 4 most moms settle down.. and the kittens are  nursing regularly and strongly.. and you are fine to leave her alone more. Teresa