Meritus Medical Center Reports Record Birth Numbers, Yet No Baby Boom
In a noteworthy development, Meritus Medical Center has reported a substantial increase in births at its Family Birthing Center for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The center recorded a total of 2,065 births, marking an increase from the previous fiscal year’s total of 1,870. This uptick suggests a positive trend in local maternity services; however, hospital officials emphasize that the situation does not constitute a baby boom.
Ellen Curry, the nurse manager of the Meritus Family Birthing Center, highlighted that the institution typically accommodates between 1,700 and 1,900 births annually. “While this year’s numbers are impressive, it’s important to contextualize them within our long-term operations and patient demographics,” she stated. According to Dr. Anand Budi, the center’s chief medical officer, newborns from outside the primary service area, including those from southern Pennsylvania, Frederick County in Maryland, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, contributed substantially to the center’s rising birth count.
Curry mentioned a slight increase in families from Washington County, which is the primary demographic for Meritus Medical Center, but Budi explained that the center’s growth is not solely localized. “People are choosing Meritus from a broader radius, which we find encouraging, though I wouldn’t label this a baby boom just yet,” he said.
The positive reception of Meritus’s maternity services is a point of pride for the center’s leadership. Both Curry and Kathy King, director of women’s and children’s services, noted feedback from new parents who regard Meritus as the best place in the region to welcome a new addition to their family. “That’s something we’re proud of,” Curry remarked, emphasizing that families are making a conscious decision to choose their services.
Recognition for excellence in maternity care reinforces this perspective, as Meritus recently earned the designation of a High Performing hospital in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) for 2024 from U.S. News & World Report. Such accolades underscore the quality of care that prospective parents can expect at the facility.
The Meritus Family Birthing Center is committed to providing a variety of birthing options, with spacious postpartum accommodations designed for both comfort and comprehensive care. The center’s practices allow for babies to room in with their mothers in most cases, promoting early bonding. Additionally, the facility is equipped with certified midwives and a Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), enabling the center to care for premature infants or those with medical complexities that require specialized attention.
This internal capability reduces the necessity for local families to seek care out of the area, thereby enhancing accessibility to high-quality maternal and neonatal healthcare services.
Overall, while Meritus Medical Center experiences an uptick in birth rates, the organization remains focused on providing excellent care and tailored support for families during this significant life event.
