Fertility clinics a hot spot for couples wanting dragon babies
PETALING JAYA: Theyearofthe Dragon is known to be an auspicious one to have children for many Malaysian Chinese.
Fertility specialist and gynaecologist Dr Agilan Arjunan said some patients have expressed interest in having a “dragon baby” this year.
He said this led to an increase in IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) procedures at his clinic.
“Fertility check-ups have also increased, and there may be more patients seeing us till April, as they will be the last group to conceive within the Year of the Dragon,” he said.
He said most of the clients interested in dragon babies were Chinese, but some were Indians.
He added that some fertility centres took this opportunity by offering promotions.
Alpha International Women’s Specialist chief embryologist and IVR Laboratory manager Adelle Lim said some clients who froze their embryos earlier had chosen to transfer their embryos this year so that they could have a baby in the Year of the Dragon.
“Our centre has only encountered requests for dragon babies, and occasionally, a tiger baby, but not for other zodiac years,” said Lim.
She said that usually, fertility treatment is the last resort for hopeful couples who cannot conceive, and it comes with a premium price tag.
The centre has about 15% of prospective parents seeking fertility treatment specifically to conceive dragon babies.
Obstetrics and gynaecologist consultant Dr Milton Lum said in previous dragon years, such as 2012, there was an increase in the number of babies.
However, for this year, he has yet to see an increase.
“Those who are concerned with having a dragon baby are
Chinese; not so much among other races, and the Chinese only make up a fifth of Malaysia’s population.
“Economic considerations may have prevented some Chinese families from giving birth at this time, as many are concerned about their financial situation,” he said.
PETALING JAYA: With the Chinese New Year festivities drawing to a close on Chap Goh Meh tomorrow, many are back to the grind but hopeful of good fortune ahead after ushering in the Year of the Dragon.
This year’s CNY has been different for business analyst Choo Jia Yuan, 37, as he and his wife have just welcomed a new baby.
“We celebrated mostly at home to protect our newborn, and most of our relatives came to visit us instead,” he said, adding that he resumed work right after the public holidays due to work piling up.
“There are many changes this year with our baby, and my wife and I have plans to move to a new home...and hopefully, we earn more this year!” said Choo.
Insurance consultant Yvonne Gan said after her hefty spending for CNY, she is looking forward to a smooth working life.
“Every new year, I will spend on goods, gifts and ang pow. With the ringgit weakening, it cost me around RM7,000 this year,” the 54-year-old said, adding that she hopes for a joyful Dragon year.
Finance senior executive Tan Lee Chin said she had to mentally prepare herself before returning to work following the festive break.
“I had a whole week of fun and travel; once Monday came around, I suffered Monday blues.
“Thankfully, I felt refreshed from my holidays and so I dived back into work soon enough,” said Tan, 33.
Part-time tuition teacher Theresa Sim, 54, said that after her children returned to work in Kuala Lumpur, things have gotten quieter post-cny.
“After cooking big meals, especially for the reunion dinner, I finally got time to rest,” said Sim, who lives in Sarawak.
The homemaker, however, does miss her children when they are away, and loves the joy of reunion as three generations of her family will gather every lunar new year.
University student Michael Hor said he had a wonderful time with his family and relatives celebrating the new year.
“Now, I am back to worrying about my university assignments, and to refocus on my projects,” said the 20-year-old.
Help desk analyst Xavier Low, 28, wants to step out of his comfort zone and forge his own path this year.
“Although I had a short break, I appreciated time spent with my family this year. Now, back to work,” he said.
After all the revelry, clinic assistant Jane is all eager to go on an upcoming overseas holiday with her family, and to run a half-marathon later.
“We have chosen to travel after the holidays to avoid the busy season.
“I have also just conquered Mount Kinabulu, which has given me a new year’s boost,” she said.