Caring for a Dog and Her Puppies?

My 2 year old Shih Tzu gave birth to her first litter of 5 puppies a day and a half ago. We counted placenta for each one, they were all there, but she carried on panting while feeding. I spoke to the vet and they were quite happy and said when the puppies feed it still contracts the tummy slightly so that is why she could be panting. Today she is still slightly panting, but when the puppies cry, she gives a little cry too. She is eating and drinking, but doesn't leave the puppies. I pick her up to take her outside to do her business, she doesn't like leaving them very much, but I was just wondering if any of this sounds normal?