I think it depends on the cat, how much time they spend with the kittens & from what I've read on here it does seem to vary.
Books that you read on the subject seem to imply the mother cat will barely leave her kittens long enough to eat or drink & may even refrain from going to the toilet.
I've not found this to be the case though with mine.
I would expect mum to be spending a little more time with her kittens, the great test will be, what she does when they cry.
If she returns straight to them & see's to their needs then don't worry she's obviously having 'time out'. As long as the kittens remain warm & she is feeding them regularly there's not too much else you can do other than shut the door of the room she's in.
Good luck & please keep asking if you are at all worried that's what we're here for!
