CHILDHOOD REGAINED?

Tan Ming became the proud mother of a baby girl last month, almost exactly 12 years after her son was born.

"People say the best family pattern is husband, wife, a son and a daughter. Thank goodness I am now in the happiest family!" Tan wrote in her microblog as she posted two photos taken 12 years apart, one showing her holding her newborn son and the other, her daughter.

Tan thinks it is a pity her son sees his sister only on weekends and after school. "He's so proud of his sister that he takes her photos to school. All his friends envy him and are eager to drop in for a visit."

When her son was born in 2002, Tan took only about six months maternity leave. She then worked from 8 to 5, but was away for at least 11 hours a day because her office was far from home. Her son was under a babysitter's care and was sent away to a boarding nursery at two, which makes Tan feel guilty even today.

Shortly after she became pregnant with her daughter, Tan, 42, resigned from her well paid job. "It's worth it because I can devote myself to my family. While I concentrate on nursing the baby, I hope my son enjoys the rest of his childhood feeling warm and accompanied. I told him that they will be companions for life."

BIRTH PRESSURE

Some experts warn that surge of newborns will put pressure on school and medical resources.

"We need midwives, babysitters, paediatricians as well as kindergarten and primary school teachers to cope," said Zhou Keda, a sociologist with Guangxi regional academy of social sciences.

"It's crucial for society to enhance awareness of children's rights and ensure minors' safety, so that children can grow up in a healthy, loving environment," said Zhou.