Gong Xingfang, 56 years old, nurses a newborn in Shanghai on Jan 22, 2015. [Photo/IC]

High demand spurs high income. With an increasing awareness of the importance of taking care of mothers and newborns, maternity matrons see a growth in demand and income.

Gong Xingfang, an experienced maternity matron in Shanghai, says she can earn 14,000 yuan ($2,252) a month now and anyone who wants to hire her has to make an appointment half a year in advance.

Reportedly, the average salary of a maternity matron is 9,405 yuan per month in Shanghai, much higher than that of a graduate from the class of 2014.