Can Platys Give Birth Over Several Days?

Hi All
My Sunburst Platy had 3 fry a few days ago but she's still enormous. I had her in a mesh breeder which made her more comfortable than being fiercely protected by the male (from the other fish). She had 3 fry on Monday but unfortunately the brand new mesh breeder was horribly designed and had large gaps between stiching along the seam. I put a plastic type breeder in and added the fry and mama. Mama hated the new surroundings and was raising her fins and pecking at it, so I added her back to general population. She seems happier but it has been two days since she dropped her first fry and she definietly has more fry to deliver. I hope she will have the rest of the fry, we were so estatic about this whole event since it was our first livebearer experience. Her water is about 79 deg. and there are plenty of hiding places which she is "trying" to use as refuge from the other fish. Does anyone have any information regarding a stuttered/prolonged birthing experience such as this? I think the move stressed her but it would be nice if she would go into the "repaired" mesh breeeder where she was originally comfortable so we can save the fry. Also how do you clean the old food etc out of the plastic breeder while the babies are this little? Any info is much appreciated.
-Long time reader, First time post'er

Well the question answered itself! I put her back into the mesh breeder, covered front of tank with towel, turned the lights out and viola', fry were born. The mesh breeder is lousy, I carefully sewed the bottom to close the gaps and the fry still escaped. I watched as my cory beat me to the 1st one I spotted and ate him....uggh! I have found about 5 fry and moved my other fish to seperate tank until I am sure she is done and I have located all the fry I can. Although I can't move my pleco because he is to large for other tank, I hope he only chows on his algae wafers tonight....