Joy asks:
"Is it universal in US to have mothers wearing hospital-supplied
garments the whole time they are there?"

It is pretty much up to the moms.  Patient gowns are generally worn
during labor and delivery.  Once mom gets up and showers after
delivery some prefer the hospital gown as they fear they might bleed
get blood on their own it they "spill over" their pad.  Most are
wearing their own by the next day.  CS moms usually wear hospital
gowns until after their IV has been removed simply for logistical
purposes.  I think one reason hospital gowns are preferred during
labor and delivery is in case the mom has to go for a CS.  If she
were wearing a regular gown and needed a "crash" section, there
could be a problem establishing clear IV access, placing monnitoring
sensors, creating the sterile field for the surgery etc.  (and our
CS rate is lower than the US or even area average-except for Level 1
or 2 hospitals that don't do any high-risk deliveries).
Unfortunately (IMO) almost every mom has an IV in labor which again,
is easier to handle with the snap-at-the-shoulder gowns.

Winnie

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