Chinese New Year: Newborn babies herald the Year of the Dog

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Millions of people across China went back to their home towns to spend time with family. But there are those who are sticking to their posts during the holiday. Among them is a group that's welcoming the Year of the Dog with something special: newborn babies. CGTN's Liu Xinqing reports.

The youngest greetings to the Year of the Dog. The best gifts for expecting parents. Yang Suhua and her family are welcoming the Chinese New Year with a precious gift -- the newest member of their family.

YANG SUHUA NEW MOTHER "I'm extremely happy although it was an unplanned pregnancy. She came as a big surprise to us but I want to have a second child to grow up with my son. Now I have both a boy and a girl. I feel so lucky."

The baby was born one week earlier than expected, but it's just the right time for Yang. The new arrival makes this a very special new year celebration.

YANG SUHUA NEW MOTHER "It doesn't matter that we have to spend this year's Spring Festival at the hospital. My family is here with me and now we have a new member added to the family. I'm happy as long as my baby grows up in good health. Nothing else is important."

More and more families are taking advantage of the second-child policy that began early 2016. It's pushed up demand for maternity services at the hospital, and there is no break even at the new year.

ZHANG DAHUAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR DAQIAO HOSPITAL, ZHENGZHOU "We delivered 11,790 babies in 2017. We normally see a drop in the number of births during the Spring Festival holiday because people prefer to give birth before or after the festival unless there is some emergency."

LIU XINQING ZHENGZHOU "The Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important festival for the Chinese people. It is a time of celebration and family reunion. But for the doctors and nurses who are on duty at this moment, it is just another working day."

Li Na is the head nurse at Daqiao Hospital. She has been on duty every new year's eve for the last nine years. Celebrating the Spring Festival at work has become an annual routine for her and her fellow workers.

LI NA, HEAD NURSE DAQIAO HOSPITAL, ZHENGZHOU "I chose this profession, so I'm sticking to it. I feel honored spending Spring Festival with my colleagues on duty. We welcome new life into the world each day, and that makes us feel fully alive. I think obstetric doctors and nurses are the most beautiful angels in the world."

For doctors and nurses like Li Na, nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of their patients. Each newborn baby is like an award to their great professionalism.

LI NA, HEAD NURSE DAQIAO HOSPITAL "I wish all pregnant moms good health and a smooth delivery. I also hope patients and medical staff will realize a more harmonious relationship."

Welcoming the new year with a newborn baby. It's the best gift a parent can get and the warmest greetings to the medical staff on duty. Liu Xinqing, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan province.