drop in U.S. birth rate the biggest in 30 years

The maternity business has experienced a recession, too, it appears. 

Births fell 4% from 2007 to 2009, the biggest drop for any two-year period since the mid-1970s.

Stats:

- birth rates fell for all women except those 40 & older

- birth rates for women ages 20-24 were the lowest ever recorded

- amongst all ethnic groups, the biggest drop was seen in Latinas

- birth rates fell the most in the West & SouthWest (Arizona & Nevada saw a decline of 10% or more)

  - fewer families are having more than 2 children