As the sun sets and the earth is covered with a golden light, people may be seen walking along the red-brick pavement of towns, under shady trees, on hillsides or in fields. Parents carry babies or push carriages. Fathers-to-be accompany mothers-to-be. These are scenes of pleasant appeal. A baby's birth in our Republic of China society receives attention and care. A big-bellied mother-to-be walks with heavy steps. The soft, delicate style of a young girl is gone, for now, but the strong arms of her husband are ready to help her, hold her and take care of her. Her face reflects happiness and contentment. To get proper exercise to make her delivery easier, they walk together in happiness. The post-war babies have grown up now. These boys and girls are fortunate to have lived in peaceful times, never really lacking, never suffering. They have married and are expecting the arrival of the next generation in the same happy and peaceful state of mind. They will bring up their own babies with abundant love, considerate care and the best material provisions they can afford.

Starting from conception, the mother-to-be tries to guarantee in various way the baby's safe birth and good health. Prenatal care is a very important step. Maternity hospitals in the Republic of China have made rapid progress in recent years. The doctors are highly trained. The outpatient departments, delivery rooms, operation rooms, nurseries and wards all have the most modern equipment and facilities. Cleanliness, comfort along with pleasant decorations and distinctive architecture are emphasized. Parenthood classes are set up in many clinics for mothers-to-be and fathers-to-be. They include such practical courses as pregnancy physiology, antenatal training, the delivery process, baby care and nursing. Medical knowledge is easy to obtain and medical techniques are advanced. Pregnant women are given complete prenatal care, and their babies' safe births are almost assured. Cases of dystocia and stillbirth are now rare. The average length and weight of the newborn infants have increased. As family planning is encouraged, the hospitals provide information on methods of birth control free of charge to the new mothers. They may thus devote more of their time and energy to the new babies.

As more women go out to work, many day nurseries are set up to take care of the babies under the age of one year. Professional nurses are employed, and the infants are given regular examinations by pediatricians. These day nurseries are equipped with bath facilities, washing machines and dryers. Department stores have infant sections where all the clothing, bedding and eating equipment needed by a baby are beautifully designed and displayed. The prices are not low, but sales are good. Most parents manage to buy what is needed because of their love for their babies. Babies grow and develop in love and abundance. They have received the best and happiest beginning of life, a good foundation for the growth of their bodies and minds. Good environment and facilities will be provided for them to learn, imitate, develop and establish their individual selves in the future. We will continue to introduce in Sinorama stories of children's growth in the peaceful, happy society of the Republic of China.