How do I know my mommy gp is feeding her babies?

Question
Hello! I'm pretty new to guinea pigs. We've had a male and female for almost a year so I understand the basic care of them. My mommy gp had her babies yesterday but I was wondering is there a way I can be sure that she is feeding her babies? Is there a way to make sure they are getting enough to eat? She had 3. The dad is in a separate cage and the mom seems to be caring for them well. All 3 babies are very responsive and are already running around the cage chasing the mom and each other. They all do well with petting, even mom doesn't mind us handling them. I just want to be sure, I'd hate for something to happen to one of the little ones. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton!

Answer
If the mom is grooming the pups and allowing them to get next to her she is nursing them. Cavy milk is very rich and the babies don't nurse for long periods of time. You probably just haven't seen them nursing.  She will not lie down on her side as a mother dog or cat would. Mom just stands up and hunches her back as the babies reach underneath and grab a nipple. There are only two nipples so they have to share. Somehow they all manage to get what they need.

If you pick up the babies you should be able to feel their little tummies nice and round. Usually if there's a problem the mom will shun the babies. Sometimes you have a baby that is weak and unable to nurse and you will begin to notice that the other babies are growing bigger but one is not. Nature being what it is the sow will not attempt to care for the sick or weak babies. It's Nature's way of making sure only the fittest survive.

It sounds as if the babies are indeed healthy. If they're running around the cage they're most likely getting nourishment. It's amazing how fast they grow. You will see them trying to feed out of mom's bowl within a few days, same with using the water bottle.

Handling them doesn't hurt them in any way. Cavy moms are good moms and don't mind their babies being held and cuddled, so enjoy them.