Reasons to Love Toronto Now: because the Toronto Birth Centre makes labour much less laborious

Their upsides ripple out over the entire health care system, freeing up hospital beds for high-risk pregnancies, reducing unnecessary C-sections and inductions, and saving taxpayers millions every year. But the real beneficiaries are the moms and their babies. Each of the three serene birthing suites is done up like a swank boutique hotel, with an adjustable bed and a free-standing tub specially designed for water births. Women are also encouraged to integrate their own cultural birthing traditions: some Indigenous moms have incorporated smudging ceremonies, sacred songs and drumming circles. More than 300 women have given birth at the centre in its first year. Above, a few of our favourite TBC alumni.