A male midwife has delivered over 600 babies in southwest China's Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children since he started working there in 2016.

Li Yunlong, the 26-year-old midwife, became an ICU nurse in an affiliated hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine after graduating from college, but soon quit his job.

"Back then, I dealt with critical patients every day. I was overwhelmed by death. That's why I decided to become a midwife, so I could welcome new lives," Li said.

"Delivering babies is the happiest thing in my life," he added with a smile.

Though refused by some prenatal women at first, Li has won recognition thanks to his sensitivity and humor. Some expectant mothers have even explicitly asked for Li's help.

"It is energy-consuming during delivery as we may need to lift and transfer patients. Since men are stronger than women, we can be more efficient in this regard," said Li.

As China has begun to implement the two-child policy, there is now a higher demand for midwives. The ratio of male midwives will continue to rise, said an official at Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children. (Photo/People's Daily Online)