In 2010 Sheng Hailin became China's oldest new mother when she delivered twin girls at the age of 60.
16 months earlier Sheng had lost her only child, a 29 year old daughter, due to coal gas poisoning.
The elderly woman could have led a quiet retirement, but instead decided to start her family all over again. Pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on any woman’s body – let alone a sexagenarian’s, but Sheng was determined. She took medicine and injections every day to prepare her body for childbearing. In 2009 she received in vitro fertilisation and gave birth in May 2010.
Today, 63 year old Sheng travels round the country giving lectures on health so she can support her young family. She's a busy woman – this month, nine cities are on her itinerary.
"I stay at one place for one to four days. When I have to catch planes, I don't have time to eat," Sheng said. "I almost work at the cost of my life."
Sheng worries the long periods of time spent away from her daughters distances them from her.
"I am trying to tell them why I gave birth to them to have them know the facts at a young age. I believe they will understand me when they grow up," she said.
“My wish for them is to grow in health and wealth.”
