Birth rates rise as Fort Bragg soldiers return
FAYETTEVILLE, NC (AP) — Soldiers home from deployment mean
more babies at Fort Bragg’s Womack Army Medical Center.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that Womack expects
significantly more births this summer after the 82nd Airborne
Division’s return from deployment in September.
At least 315 babies are expected in June, 285 in July, 324 in
August and 323 in September. The hospital averages about 270 births
per month.
The September homecoming was the first time since 2003 that all
22,000 soldiers in the division were home.
Womack is already the busiest maternity ward of any U.S.
military hospital.
Nearby Cape Fear Valley Health System in Fayetteville is also
busier. Hospital officials said 400 new babies are anticipated in
May and 450 in June and July. The hospital normally averages 350
deliveries a month.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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