Expectant mothers in Taiwan have a new option for their ideal birthing experience after a Hello Kitty-themed maternity hospital opened its doors recently in the township of Yuanlin.
According to reports, images of the popular cartoon character throughout the 30-bed hospital are intended to ease the stress of childbirth by bringing a smile to the face of new mothers.
There’s a statue of a dressed-up ‘Dr.’ Kitty in the lobby welcoming patients as they arrive. The pink examination room is plastered with Hello Kitty posters. There are cot blankets in both pink and blue, hospital bedding, birth certificates – in fact, every aspect of the hospital is emblazoned with the feline motif, even the uniforms worn by staff!
I’m not quite sure which is more absurd – that Hello Kitty remains so fashionable after more than 30 years, or that medics believe the momentary ”pleasure” experienced by seeing her small button eyes and cute button nose would really ease the pain and fear of childbirth?
I’ve had two children, I’m pretty sure a couple of pictures of a mouthless cartoon character with a pretty pink bow isn’t going to provide much pain relief. Do they have Hello Kitty branded drugs on standby as well?
Hello Kitty has grown into one of the world’s most recognisable characters since the first vinyl coin purse was introduced in 1974. Japanese creator Sanrio continues to expand the brand and has products nowadays for babies, children, teens and women. They’ve even teamed up with Victoria Couture to create a sleek range of luggage and beauty cases especially for the 30-something princesses.
Expectant mothers in Beijing can recreate their own Hello Kitty shrine at the new Sanrio store downstairs at The Village in Sanlitun (or head next door to Yashow for some ‘genuine’ Hello Kitty bargains).
