Hospital that delivers a third of D.C. babies to close a postpartum unit

Washington’s largest hospital is shuttering one of its two postpartum units and reducing staff later this month, citing financial pressure and declining birth rates.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center, which delivers one-third of the babies born in the District, said closing the unit will slash capacity by 11 beds, leaving 18. Staff has also been relocated, with eight nurses being moved to other units.