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As a new year begins, we see much talk of renewal, a few metaphors of rebirth, and at least one baby who gains passing fame as the first one of 2015.

To mark the symbolism of new year and new life, here’s a statistical look at how birthing has evolved in Quebec, from total numbers, to the age of mothers, to the preferred method of delivery.

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The birthrate continues to fall, but slightly

After the fertility free fall that started in the late 1950s among women in Quebec, the birthrate continues to slide, although it was marked by a few mini baby booms. The current birthrate is on a slight decrease now, but it’s higher than the all-time low in 2002.

The birthrate in Montreal is higher than the provincial average

Among all regions of Quebec (except for the far north First Nations areas), Montreal has the highest birthrate, with 12 births per 1,000 women in 2011. In fact, as the birthrates in rural regions plummet, Montreal’s has fully recovered since 1981.