The past month has been bittersweet for Yan Limeng, who gave birth to quadruplets in late July but only got to see her three daughters and one son for the first time Monday.

"I dreamed of them all the time and cried many times worrying about their health," said Yan, 24, a secretary of a Shanghai dairy company. "I am glad that they are getting better."

On the morning of July 25, Yan and her husband, Chen Haiqing, parented the quadruplets at Shanghai No 1 Maternity and Children's Health Hospital. The four babies were 11-week premature and were immediately sent to Fudan University's Children's Hospital due to breathing difficulties.

"They were so weak when they arrived here. All were only 1.1 or 1.2 kilograms," said Wu Jinglei, vice director of the hospital. "We put them in the most advanced incubators, which can control the temperature, humidity and light."

"We also set up a special medical team with seven doctors and six nurses to take care of them all day and night."

According to Wu, the quadruplets have gradually grown more stable and gained weight, though the second girl still depends on a respirator to breathe.

Doctors said the babies' digestion and immunity systems are still weaker than other babies, but they are expected to reach 2 kilograms and leave hospital in one month.

"Even after being discharged, we will still follow the development of their immunity and nervous systems, hearing and sight and give in-time direction for the parents," said Wu.

While Yan said she feels lucky to have such a large family, she and her husband are also worried about the future.

"I was informed in the six-month of pregnancy that I have quadruplets. The previous checks only told that they were twins or triplets. Except for joy, I have been under a heavy mental pressure for the financial difficulties to bring them up," said Yan.

"We just married last May and both my husband and I come from ordinary families. We have already paid 87,000 yuan (US$10,524) in medical bills for the babies."

According to Yan's mother, the young mother worked until one week before being hospitalized for her special condition.

"We have received various help and donations from society and our companies, but it is still a big burden for us. I can't help crying when thinking of the difficulty we will meet in the future," Yan said Monday.

(eastday.com August 26, 2003)