We just went through this ourselves. First time litter for mom. After a c-section (due to stuck puppy), mom was really drugged up. She refused to nurse at first. We had to lay her down, hold her head and place the 6 pups one by one on each nipple.
After they fed, we cleaned each pup and made them potty. Then they went into a plastic box lined with a towel. UNDER the box was a heating pad. Another towel loosely draped over the top prevented drafts.
So, every two or three hours we did FEEDING, then CLEANING, then WARMING BOX. I got a two hour nap and it would start again. The mother dog was also able to get a break from pups.
As for the squishings we have learned to our sorrow what not to do. The whelping box must have a removeable railing for the pups to crawl under. The railing must be removed as soon as the pups are walking (about 3 weeks). Second, nursing time must be monitored for a new mommy, or one that had c-section as they aren't aware of what they are doing. Third, the whelping box itself needs to be tall enough so momma can't jump in or out and squish a pup.
Hope the rest of your litter do well & thrive!