Earthquake babies  

Mianyang General hospital is the largest hospital in Mianyang. They have admitted large number of casualties, as well as pregnant women. At 2:30am last night, Liu Hong-dan's son was born in a temporary tent erected by the hospital. Liu Hong-dan was from An county, XinXian city. 22 this year, her predicted date of delivery was 8th of June.

"It's because of the earthquake. We're early by half a month." Liu's husband said.

She recalls that when the earthquake struck, she was with her mother- in-law sorting rapeseeds. The house shook, and they ran out, just in time before the house collapsed.

"We had no time to wear shoes, We just ran out. The contractions started in the afternoon." Liu Hong-dan said. The county hospital had collapsed, leaving the family no choice but to head for Mianyang. Fortunately, a kind soul was willing to send them here in a small car.

Liu Hong-dan says that they have not thought of a name for the newborn. But her husband says, they have already thought of a pet name. "Yang Zhen (the word 'zhen' means earthquake in Chinese), because he's related to the earthquake." Having been born less than 20 hours, Yang Zhen lying was sleeping soundly in his mother's arms. This baby, weighing 7 pounds 2, had no way of knowing that he was an 'earthquake baby' born in a temporary tent.

30 minutes after Liu Hong-dan's delivery, Yan Xue-lan's daughter was born. Yan Xue-lan was from the same parts where Liu Hong-dan grew up, An county, TaShui town. When she delivered her baby, it was pouring outside, and it was so cold in the tent that her teeth could not stop chattering.

As there are insufficient resources, the new mothers had only eggs everyday.

"It would have been better if there was some chicken soup, we can't lactate." As Yan Xue-lan said this, her husband turned his face away to wipe at his tears.

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The above story is translated by some volunteers at         

www.sichuan-earthquake.org

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