Yüanlin, Taiwan, January 20, 2009--Nurses check on newborns in Hau Sheng Hospital, which claims to be the first maternity hospital authorized to use products featuring the Japanese icon Hello Kitty.

Hospital director Tsai Tsung-chi opened the themed institution last year in the hopes that the familiar cartoon cat would help ease mothers' pain and stress of childbirth.

Hello Kitty's likeness appears on everything from baby blankets to bed linens to wall art, and twice a year costumed actors visit to help soothe patients.

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