Congrats!
as a dog guy,and part time dog trainer/police K9 trainer, and "parent" to a number of litters, based on the temperment of "momma" toward you , it would be better for mom and the pups to "handle" them (we checked/handled each of the last daschshund puppies we had , pretty much right after mom cleaned them up after birth) some dogs might be protective of the pups and not let you near,,,,if you have a whelping box, and she leaves the pups for a bit,,, pick the pups up ,while she away/out, and have her see you with one. it might go easier this way. talk to her and try petting her and leave your hand around her and the pups, and slowly work toward getting near the pups with out mom getting nervous.just touch the pups, and work toward picking them up without them crying alot (might set mom off)after a while she will probably be glad to get away from the pups, and should not care about you being around them
good luck!
can't wait to see some picks!
