Mainland Love Home Postpartum Centre scandal unfolds as three Hong Kong families allege the owner fled with their funds

14th January 2025 – (Shenzhen) Love Home Postpartum Centre, with over 80 branches across the Mainland, faces a crisis as its owner is suspected of absconding with funds, triggering a wave of protests for justice. Among the establishments affected, the branch in Shenzhen’s Yantian District has left three Hong Kong families in distress. The families involved have shared with Hong Kong media “HK01” that their investments range from around 20,000 to 30,000 Chinese Yuan each, with one Hong Kong expectant mother due on 15th January (Wednesday) left in uncertainty about her impending delivery.

The Love Home Postpartum Centre in Yantian District commenced operations in September last year within a commercial hotel, conveniently located within a half-hour drive from the Luohu Port, attracting a significant clientele from Hong Kong.

32-year-old Ms. Wong, pregnant at 35 weeks with a due date in mid-February, alongside Mr. A, whose 33-year-old wife is at 38 weeks expecting a delivery on 15th January, shared their accounts with HK01 detailing the ordeal they faced.

Both families made full payments in November last year (amounting to 21,800 Chinese Yuan) for the postpartum care package at the centre. The comprehensive services included postnatal care, dietary arrangements, and round-the-clock care for newborns by a maternity matron for a duration of 28 days. Their plans entailed a move to Shenzhen after childbirth in Hong Kong.

Ms. Wong, who owns two dogs and six cats and found home conditions unsuitable for postpartum recovery, trusted the national chain brand Love Home Postpartum Centre and made full payment. Mr. A highlighted the cost-effectiveness of postpartum centres in Shenzhen compared to Hong Kong, expressing confidence in the capabilities of Love Home Postpartum Centre given its presence in multiple major cities.

Prior to the crisis, both families observed no signs of closure at the centre. Ms. Wong even witnessed other Hong Kong mothers utilizing the services without any disturbances.

Mr. A recalled being pressured to make full payments during the signing process, with additional charges threatened if only a deposit was initially made. He noted a significant marketing push by the centre before the crisis, enticing many families to sign contracts and make full payments.

The situation escalated on January 7 this year, with reports suggesting the owner’s disappearance with funds. Mr. A, upon verification at the centre, was informed by the manager that there were financial issues, indicating potential discontinuation of operations. Requests for refunds were met with inability to provide the funds. On the same day, Ms. Wong recounted being added to a WeChat group where the closure of the company was announced.

As per HK01’s findings, 13 families had checked into the centre before the crisis, with 29 families awaiting their stay, most of whom comprised expectant mothers nearing delivery.

Most families had paid amounts ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 Chinese Yuan, with higher payments from families already checked in, owing to a 3,000 Yuan deposit and additional services purchased before admission.

The scene at Love Home Postpartum Centre in Yantian District depicted a grim reality on 12th January when only 9 families remained accommodated. The departure of staff, including the manager, nurses, and chefs, left only 7 maternity matrons present, with even cleaners absent. Expectant mothers and maternity matrons revealed that due to delayed salaries, they resorted to ordering takeaway meals for all three daily meals, leading to health complications for some.

A significant number of expectant mothers checked in at the centre between mid-December and end of December, with some intending to stay until the contracted period concludes.

Upon learning of the crisis, Mr. A visited the centre on 7th January to find it deserted, triggering a wave of resignations by employees and leaving expectant mothers unattended, prompting collective discontent and protests for justice.

The situation escalated with the involvement of local authorities, who initially classified the incident as an economic dispute. Mr. A voiced his disagreement, stating that the issue transcends mere financial disputes, terming it a societal problem.

Criticism was directed at official bodies for perceived indifference towards the affected families’ plight. Subsequent interventions by local authorities offered relocation to another postpartum centre, albeit at personal cost, prompting dissatisfaction with perceived inaction.

The affected families collectively rejected official proposals, demanding compensation under governmental supervision to address care needs for expectant mothers at the centre and resolve accommodation issues for those nearing delivery.

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