Washington D.C.’s biggest postpartum maternity ward is cutting about 10 beds, whittling the number of open spots to 18. Medical experts and staff are concerned about the consequences, however, the hospital says declining birth rates have shown there isn’t a need for the current capacity.
Next month, MedStar Washington Hospital Center will close its 5F postpartum maternity ward. The ward is used for people who give birth and receive aftercare from a vaginal birth to a C-section to more complex births.
“Birth rates in the District have steadily declined, mirroring national trends. In response, we are consolidating post-partum services to better match resources with volumes,” said So Young Pak, a spokesperson for MedStar. “All maternal health services will remain open. Patients will continue to have access to prenatal care, labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, and post-partum services. We and our community partners will continue scheduling inductions and C-sections as we always have.”…